In the lead up to the 76th International Astronautical Congress being held in Sydney in 2025, The Andy Thomas Space Foundation and Makers Empire are joining forces to deliver an engaging education program for 32 NSW schools. The program is supported by the NSW Government via the NSW Premier’s Department.
The NSW Space Discovery program is modelled on Andy Thomas Space Foundation’s successful Kids in Space program, and will be delivered to 32 NSW school during 2024/2025: 14 schools will take part during terms 3 & 4 2024, and a further 18 schools will take part during terms 1 & 2, 2025.
The program includes professional development for teachers, 3D design software, hardware, tools and resources from Makers Empire, a new Space Discovery Challenge Course in the Makers Empire app, and a student showcase for students to come together and share their learning.
Teachers from the first cohort of 16 schools recently met at the National Space Industry Hub at Cicada Innovation, South Everleigh for professional development by the Makers Empire team and a site visit.
Paul Hepplewhite, Associate Director, Space Industry and Investment, Investment NSW led the welcome and introduction. The site tour was conducted by Alex Shapilsky, Head of Space, Cicada Innovations and Hela Zargouni, Program Manager, Cicada Innovations.
After the site tour, teachers embarked on their professional development session with Makers Empire’s learning team. A space communicator from the Australian Space Agency also presented from the Australian Space Discovery Centreand showed Mission Control where astronaut Katherine Burnell-Pegg was also present.
Two NSW space companies contributed to videos in the brand new Space Discovery challenge course delivered within the Makers Empire 3D design app: Matt Ryall, CEO & Co-founder of Mawson Rovers, recorded a video sharing some of the work he was doing and how he was using 3D printing, and two young engineers from Space Machines Company shared what they were working on, and how they were using problem-solving and 3D printing as well.
Teachers started familiarising themselves with Makers Empire and the Space Discovery Challenge Course, and also received training in the 3D printers included in this project.
Teachers also had a series of interactive, fun and thought-provoking Design Thinking activities to complete.
Following the professional development, teachers and students will work through the Space Discovery challenge course over the next term. They will then come together for a student showcase in term 4.
