The Andy Thomas Space Foundation and the Australian Space Agency have teamed up with Makers Empire to deliver the Australian-first space education program, Kids in Space.
Australian EduTech start-up Makers Empire will deliver the space-themed, technology-based, design thinking project to more than 65+ schools and 3,000 primary school students across the nation.
Kids in Space will inspire students’ interest in STEM and STEM-related careers, through their participation in space-themed virtual challenges, designed to improve spatial reasoning skills.
The 2023 program follows the success of the two pilot programs delivered in 2021 and 2022, which provided opportunities for 26 teachers and 1,250 students to engage with the space industry.
To support future learning and longevity, the innovative program will also provide certified professional development to 300 school teachers.
CEO for the Andy Thomas Space Foundation Nicola Sasanelli said educators ranging from primary school to early career researchers will be engaged to ensure the full spectrum of education is included.
Kids in Space Makers Empire Showcase
“This program aims to first introduce and seed space interest in young students, to ensure the longevity of their engagement in the knowledge economy,” she said.
Head of the Australian Space Agency Enrico Palermo said the program will stir the imagination of young Australians, using space as the gateway to STEM related careers.
“By exciting our young people and getting them to think bigger, we can ensure Australia has the diverse workforce it needs to realise our full potential not just in the space sector but across the broader economy as well.”
Register your school’s interest in the Makers Empire Kids in Space program
