Students in Golden Grove High School’s disability unit are being inspired to pursue a career in space this National Science Week after scoring a visit from leading space launch provider Southern Launch.
Three South Australian schools including Moana Primary School and St Josephs School in Port Lincoln won a visit from a Southern Launch rocket scientist as part of a competition run by the Adelaide-based space company.
Helping to promote the importance of STEM education, Southern Launch has been visiting the winning schools throughout National Science Week to teach students about rocket propulsion, trajectories and space orbits.
Friday’s Golden Grove High School visit ties in with the space curriculum students have been studying over the past term.
The state-wide competition calling for entries from teachers or students was judged by Deputy Premier and Minister for Defence and Space Industries, Susan Close.
Minister Close said South Australia’s space sector is on an exciting trajectory with thousands of jobs expected in the coming years.
“South Australian students will be in the box seat to take advantage of these opportunities, and this is an excellent initiative from Southern Launch that supports our aim to inspire and build the next generation of space leaders through STEM education and initiatives,” she said.
CEO of Southern Launch, Lloyd Damp, said education opportunities like this help showcase real-world examples of how the local space industry is helping make the world better.
“At every school visit, the Southern Launch team highlights the connection between the STEM subjects students are studying and the global space industry that is right on their doorstep,” said Mr Damp.
“Our goal is to inspire students and help showcase the world of opportunity right here in South Australia.”
