Video: British astronaut to help kids reach for the stars at Eureka!

Backed by the UK Space Agency, science centres across the UK have joined forces with the European Space Agency’s first British astronaut, Tim Peake, to provide children all over the UK with a unique opportunity to learn about human space flight and follow life on the International Space Station.

Eureka! The National Children’s Museum in Halifax, is one of twenty contributing venues, and will be launching an exciting programme of workshops for schools and families called Destination Space, starting with a space-themed February half term event.

The Eureka! event will include opportunities to find out more about what life will be like for Tim Peake on the International Space Station, with unique insights and video footage, as well as some fascinating demonstrations of the science behind space exploration.

Families and schools will be invited to join Destination Space events across the UK, running from October 2015 including special events for Tim Peake’s launch, meet-the-expert sessions and a fabulous astronaut show that will engage and inspire family audiences with Tim’s mission.

Leigh-Anne Stradeski, Chief Executive of Eureka! said: “There are few subjects more awe-inspiring than space exploration, and the whole team here at Eureka! is over the moon to be involved in Destination Space, funded by the UK Space Agency.

“Our family sessions – blasting off in February – will offer families a unique insight into the fascinating science behind getting a rocket into orbit as well as some of the realities and challenges of life on the International Space Station.

“Just don’t mention going to the toilet! We really hope that schools and families will join us to follow Tim Peake’s amazing journey.”

As well as learning about Tim Peake’s work on the International Space Station, the programme will celebrate the team behind Tim, highlighting great opportunities for young people across the science and space sector.

The programme is being developed with teams at the National Space Centre in Leicester, Science Museum in London and Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre in Cheshire, and led by the UK Association for Science and Discovery Centres in Bristol.