Schools in the Eyre Peninsula are invited to register their interest to join a new space education program.
What is the launching community space innovation from regional South Australia program?
The Andy Thomas Space Foundation (ATSF) and Makers Empire are running a space education program for 15 schools based at and around the Eyre Peninsula in regional South Australia in terms 3-4, 2023.
The project will introduce an exciting space-related STEM curriculum to schools. It will provide professional development for teachers, engagement with parents and local communication channels. It will increase students’ understanding of space disciplines, career opportunities and pathways, and local space projects.
The Eyre Peninsula program has been made possible with funding from the Australian Government and research support from UniSA.Â
ATSF and Makers empire are also working together on the successful Kids in Space education program, which is bringing space education to over 70 schools in every state and territory of Australia.Â
What do Schools Receive?
- 2+ teachers will participate in the Makers Empire Learning By Design program with guest speakers from the space industry.
- 1 x 12 months Makers Empire School Subscription (3D design software, teacher dashboard, 130 curriculum-aligned lesson plans, built-in assessment, online professional development (PD), ongoing support, updates and maintenance).
- 1 x brand-new space-themed challenge course.Â
- 1 x Flashforge Adventurer 4 3D printer and 5 rolls of PLA filament.
- Hospitality for PD days and Showcase Days at local Eyre Peninsula venues.Â
- Student displays: following the local student showcase, printed designs will be brought to Adelaide’s home of innovation at Lot Fourteen, where they will be on display at the Australian Space Discovery Centre for visitors to view.Â
What Do Schools Commit To?
- Provide release for 1.5 days for 2-5 participating classroom teachers (not IT technicians or non-teaching staff).
- Support capacity building of teachers through facilitation of ‘flow-on’ professional learning at their sites.
- Attend 1 face-to-face professional learning days (1 day of PD) at an Eyre Peninsula venue.
- Attend, with nominated students, the Showcase Day (1/2 day) at an Eyre Peninsula venue.
- Attend other professional development workshops delivered remotely (online) – see timetable below.
- Participate in professional learning communities.
- Participate in data collection and share their experiences with others.
What Do Teachers Say About Kids in Space
What are the Important Dates?
The deadline for expressions of interest is Friday May 26, 2023 (week 4 of term 2).
1 x face-to-face Professional Development Day will take place in the week of August 7th, 2023 at Port Lincoln and Streaky Bay venues. (The program will be repeated at both venues to help facilitate access for schools in the region.)
There will also be 3 x 90 minute online after school workshops (webinars):
- Monday August 14th from 3.30pm – 5.00pm
- Monday August 21st from 3.30pm- 5.00pm
- Monday August 28th from 3.30pm – 5.00pm
1 x showcase day will take place at an Eyre Peninsula venue in the week of 20th November, 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
We can accommodate 2-5 teachers per school (more by negotiation) for the professional development days. We can accommodate unlimited classes and students in a school to do the Kids in Space program. We can accommodate 4-6 students per class and an accompanying teacher for the showcase days.Â
The Kids in Space program has been designed for grades 3-6 students. If you would like to do Kids in Space with other grade levels please email us at info@makersempire.com with the subject ‘Kids in Space grade inquiry’ and we will see what we can do.Â
Yes, absolutely! If your school is chosen for Kids in Space, you will receive all of the benefits on top of your existing Makers Empire subscription: your Makers Empire subscription will simply be extended for another year.
Absolutely! We have had many smaller, regional and area schools participate in our programs before. We encourage all interested schools to apply.Â
Register Your School's EOI Now
Register your school’s interest to be part of this program now.Â
The deadline for expressions of interest is Friday May 26, 2023 (week 4 of term 2).Â
