For the fourth year running, Makers Empire is delighted to be supporting the new Commissioner’s Digital Challenge for South Australian (SA) students. Last year, despite the disruption caused by COVID-19, an estimated 38,000 children joined the Space to Dream Digital Challenge.
In this year’s Space to Dream, students need to design a toy or gadget for someone their age who is moving to Mars. The digital challenge is open to students of all ages.
Designs can be created using the free Makers Empire 3D design software (students can use Makers Empire free of charge – no subscription required) or simply with pen and paper. View some of the winning and featured designs made using Makers Empire for last year’s competition below.
The most creative, useful and cool designs submitted by schools in South Australia will feature in the Space to Dream public exhibition at the Australian Space Discovery Centre. Students and schools can also win cool rewards – see below for more details.Â
SA’s Commissioner for Children and Young People, Helen Connolly, says, “Our future requires bold thinkers who know how to create intelligent and out-of-the-box solutions. Young people know how crucial it is for them to acquire digital skills while they’re at school so they can be ready for the jobs of the future. Let’s work together to encourage as many children and young people in South Australia as possible to take a journey towards digital empowerment in 2022!”
Mandi Dimitriadis, Director of Learning at Makers Empire says, “Makers Empire is delighted to be once again supporting the Commissioner for Children and Young People, SA’s Space to Dream digital challenge. Design Thinking is one of the best things we can teach our children. Learning how to identify and solve problems is an important skill that will help our children thrive in their future careers.”
Key Information
Important Dates
- 8 July 2022: final date for school registrations
- 30 September 2022:Â final date to receive challenge completion forms from registered schools
- October 2022: Top-rated designs announced
- November 2022: Exhibition featuring approx. 20 of the top-rated designs opens at the Australian Space Discovery Centre
- January 2023: Exhibition travels to libraries throughout South Australia
Rewards
Every student who completes the Challenge earns a Space to Dream Certificate of Achievement from the Commissioner.
Top-rated designs submitted by schools in South Australia will feature in the Space to Dream public exhibition.
Makers Empire has donated the overall prize for the best student Space to Dream design solution – a reliable, school-safe 3D printer for their school.
Resources for Teachers
The challenge website offers helpful resource packs for teachers that include:
- Lesson notes F-10
- Curriculum links
- Assessment Rubrics
- Activity Sheets x 6
- PowerPoint for class
So before you begin, download the resource packs.
There is also a handy guide for challenge coordinators, as well as downloadable posters and social media assets that you are welcome to use on your school’s website, or include in an article in your school’s newsletter or socials like Facebook or Instagram.
Register Now
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Interested in taking part in the challenge?
View instructions for schools and register your school today!
Registration takes less than 1 minute!
Doing the Challenge Outside of School
There are also many activities for students who are learning outside of the school environment. For example, at a local library or as part of an after-school program or via a community organisation such as Scouts or Guides. Learn more here.
