LEGO and space travel are topics that capture many children’s imagination, however lucky pupils in Denbigh are taking part in a workshop that brings the two together to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first ever moon landing.

Ysgol Pendref hosted the four-day programme run by G2G’s Lego Education Innovation Studio, which has taught pupils about topics such as robotics, coding and space experiments.

The project was set up in celebration of the Apollo 11 moon landing by United States astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin on July 20, 1969. It aims to encourage young people to think about future jobs they would like to have in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics) industries.

Lego learning can be used to improve communication skills, problem solving and numeracy, as well as ICT by turning Lego constructions into computer animations.

The project was funded by the Welsh Government’s Reaching Wider programme, which aims to widen access to higher education and higher-level skills throughout Wales.

Dr Bill Lockitt, director of G2G, the community interest company which has led Lego projects for the UK Space Agency and Welsh Government’s National Science Academy in recent years, said: “In July it is 50 years since the Apollo 11 mission landed on the moon and this project celebrates this fantastic scientific achievement.

“It has been set up to celebrate the achievement and technological advancements made due to space exploration but also to encourage young people to think about space related industries and employment in the future.

“Through project-based activities, pupils’ skills are enhanced across science, coding, engineering and technology. It also empowers them to ask the right questions, define problems, and design their own solutions by putting scientific discovery in their hands.”

The workshop also includes 'hands-on science' with Techniquest Glyndwr, who will showcase various science experiments with a space theme and space-related animations.

Nicola Griffiths, Ysgol Pendref headteacher, said: “The pupils are enjoying the workshops immensely and are developing their science and technology skills.”

For more information visit the G2G website.