To celebrate their participation in the NSW Space Discovery program students from 14 NSW schools came together on Friday 29th November at Optus’s Macquarie Park headquarters for a local showcase event. Students shared what they’d learned about space technology, the NSW space industry and their responses to the design thinking challenge: design something that might help astronauts to work and live in space or use space technologies to design something that will help solve a problem on Earth.
The NSW Space Discovery program is a space education program for 32 NSW primary schools delivered by The Andy Thomas Space Foundation (ATSF) and Australian-owned EdTech company, Makers Empire, in partnership with the NSW Government via the NSW Premier’s Department.
In the lead-up to the 76th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Sydney in 2025, the NSW Space Discovery program is designed to engage students in STEM learning and promote awareness of opportunities in the NSW space industry. It is modelled on the ATSF’s successful Kids in Space program and offers exciting space industry links, guest speakers from the NSW space community and real-world learning opportunities including site visits. The NSW Space Discovery program is being delivered to 32 NSW schools during 2024/2025: 14 schools are taking part in the program during terms 3 & 4 2024, and a further 18 schools will take part during terms 1 & 2, 2025.
The 14 NSW schools selected for NSW Space Discovery for term 3 & 4 2024 were Woolgoolga Public School, Old Bar Public School, East Maitland Public School, Leeton Public School, Port Kembla Public School, Samuel Gilbert Public School, St Michael’s Catholic Primary School, Leura Public School, St Thomas Aquinas Primary School Springwood, MLC School, St Bernadette’s Primary School, Dundas Valley, Menindee Central School, Bethel Christian School, and Moonbi Public School
The Space Discovery schools each received a STEM package worth approximately $6,499 including: 2-5+ teachers will participate in the accredited Makers Empire Learning By Design program with guest speakers from the space industry and a site tour of National Space Industry Hub; 12-months Makers Empire School Subscription; brand-new space-themed challenge course including some of the exciting projects happening in the NSW space industry including interviews with cutting edge space companies Mawson Rovers and Space Machines Company; Flashforge 3D printer and PLA filament’ and hospitality for teacher PD and student showcase days.
“The Foundation is thrilled to deliver this program in support of the upcoming 76th International Astronautical Congress, enabling NSW students the opportunity to understand the importance of space, Australia’s role in the global industry and how they too can one day make a difference to the industry,” said ATSF Executive Director, Peter Nikoloff.
“It’s great to see the next generation immerse themselves in the world of space, which is so much more than just astronauts and rockets. Whether it’s safeguarding our communities through telecommunications, improving disaster response and navigation, or tracking agricultural health and climate change – space is integral to many parts of our society,” Investment NSW Deputy Secretary Rebecca McPhee said.
“The NSW Space Discovery Program is a fantastic initiative, allowing teachers and students to discover a world beyond their day-to-day curriculum, and it all adds to the excitement ahead of IAC 2025, when Sydney will host the best and brightest minds in the global space community,” she added.
Lap Leung, Co Founder of Makers Empire, said, “Makers Empire is very proud to be delivering this exciting program for The Andy Thomas Space Foundation and the NSW Government in lead up to IAC 2025.”
Congratulations to all the participating schools, and in particular to the showcase winners:
- St Bernadette’s Primary School, Dundas Valley won the industry award as assessed by the industry judges. Students investigated the problems faced by people in war torn countries. They identified access to food supplies during times of conflict as an area of need. Inspired by freeze dried foods originally developed for space missions, they designed a drone delivery system powered by solar energy.
- Samuel Gilbert Public School won the peer award as voted by the students. They addressed the problem of sustaining human life on Mars by designing a hydro drill to provide access to drinking water. The drill collects ice, filters the water and uses a solar powered boiler to remove any bacteria.
