In 2026, Makers Empire is partnering once again with The Andy Thomas Space Foundation to deliver the Andy Thomas Space Foundation’s Kids in Space, a national space education program for primary schools.
This pioneering education program raises awareness of opportunities in space careers to Australian primary school-aged children and engages them in problem solving around space-related challenges. Each year, Australian schools are invited to register their interest in participating via a national call out.
From February to May, the Makers Empire team will travel throughout Australia to deliver the Kids in Space Professional Learning
program. Teachers explore the Learning by Design program, an evidence-based professional learning experience supporting
teachers to engage students in STEM. Teachers grow their understandings of maker pedagogies and design thinking processes
that support students to solve real world challenges. They also have the opportunity to build connections with the space industry
and grow their confidence and skills in space education.
Professional Learning days include:
The SA Kids in Space PD was held in the Stone and Chalk building in Lot Fourteen in Adelaide on the first day. For the second day, teachers in the SA cohort visited Hamilton Secondary College in Adelaide where they were able to explore a planetarium, including the venues Mars section which features a simulated Martian crater and landscape. Guest speakers included Australian Space Discovery Centre staff.
