The projects are designed to inspire interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and provide contexts for the teaching of a range of subjects. It is hoped that this will, in turn, help the growth of the space sector, which is being hampered by the lack of graduates and technicians with relevant qualifications.
The seven new projects were selected to support the aims of the Education and Skills Strategy, and build upon the Agency’s investment in a number of areas, in particular:
- Earth Observation
- Satellite Launch Programme (UK spaceports and launchers)
- James Webb Space Telescope
Explains astronaut flight education programme manager Susan Buckle: “We are delighted to be funding all these projects and to work with a variety of different organisations – from the D&T Association with expertise in design and technology to the Triathlon Trust with expertise in getting children active, as well as the more traditional STEM organisations. Each project will fulfil the objective to inspire the next generation to study STEM and consider a career in the space industry, whilst having a lot of fun along the way.”
The 7 successful projects to be funded are:
- Glasgow Science Festival: Get me into orbit!
- Triathlon Trust: Space to Earth view
- Mangorolla CIC: Space zones ‘I’m a Scientist’ and ‘I’m an Engineer’
- Institute for Research in Schools: MELT: Monitoring the Environment, Learning for Tomorrow
- The Design and Technology Association: Inspiring the next generation: design and technology in space
- European Space Education Resource Office-UK: James Webb Space Telescope: Design challenge
- Children’s Radio UK (Fun Kids): Deep Space High – UK Spaceports
Emma Watson from The Design and Technology Association adds: “The Design and Technology Association are delighted to be working with the UK Space Agency to develop a series of curriculum based resources which will use the design and technology curriculum as a platform to motivate more young people to consider careers in the space industry.
“Structured around Earth Observation, Satellite Launch Systems and the James Webb Space Telescope, these innovative resources will inspire young people to imagine new possibilities, drawing on their existing STEM knowledge, and applying it to real-life space contexts.”
