Developed in partnership with The Andy Thomas Space Foundation (ATSF) and the NSW Government via the NSW Premier’s Department, this innovative space education program saw 17 teams from NSW primary schools presenting their learning outcomes in a vibrant showcase day at Optus’s Macquarie Park headquarters.
Students presented their responses to the space-themed design thinking challenge: design something that might help astronauts to work and live in space or use space technologies to design something that will help solve a problem on Earth, with industry and peer prizes awarded at the closing ceremony.
This year, the Industry Prize was awarded to Team 2 from Kirrawee Public School, for their CorteX – EEG Colour Changing Communicator design. Designed to assist people with disabilities, astronauts or workers in high stress environments – and drawing on technologies already used in space – the headband device utilises EEG sensors to measure brain activity and monitor feelings and emotions.
The Peer Prize winner, selected by fellow students, was awarded to Team 1 from Eschol Park Public School. The team devised a Photo and Water Seed System that takes photos and delivers water and seeds to people during a bushfire.
Presenting teams were composed of students from: St. Mary’s Cathedral College, St. Mary & St. Mina Coptic Orthodox College, Ingleburn Public School, Delegate Public School, Krambach Public School, Kirrawee Public School, Mountains Christian College, Eschol Park Public School, Tarrawanna Public School, Warilla North Public School, St. Bishoy College, Castle Cove Public School, Illaroo Road Public School and Moama Anglican Grammar.
With excitement growing as the 76th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) draws nearer, the NSW Space Discovery Program is designed to engage students in STEM learning and promote awareness of opportunities in the NSW space industry.
Modelled on the ATSF’s successful Kids in Space program, the initiative offers both students and educators exciting space industry links; opportunities to learn from guest speakers in the NSW space community; and real-world learning opportunities including site visits.
Makers Empire congratulates our winners, and all participants in the program.
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