Kids in Space 2026: Aussie Primary School Teachers Exploring Space Careers and Technologies

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.

Professional Learning for Teachers

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:

An introduction to 3D design and 3D printing technologies to enhance student learning
An introduction to the Makers Empire Kids in Space Challenge Course, an in-app space education program for students
Exploration of maker pedagogy and design thinking as a framework for building essential skills, capabilities and dispositions
and a resilient, problem-solving mindset
Building connections with the space industry which can include site tours, live video calls with guest speakers from the Andy
Thomas Space Foundation and the Australian Space Agency, and access to a comprehensive Digital Library of resources
Opportunity for collaboration, reflection and planning to support cross-curriculum integration of the Kids in Space Program
into classroom learning programs.

Kids in Space in South Australia

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.

Kids In Space Northern Territory

The Northern Territory Professional Development day was held at Nakara Primary school. The Makers Empire team met with the NT cohort of teachers to offer them development for the Kids in Space program.

Kids In Space Western Australia

The Western Australia Professional Development day was held at the Western Australian Space Science Education Centre (WASSEC). Participants were given an interactive tour of the venue by Director Phil Wass, including the Mission to Mars program, the plants in the space lab and cyber security programs.

Participants came from far and wide, including remote and rural communities, some of which were up to 7 hours away.

Fogarty Foundation CEO, Elizabeth Knight, attended the professional development day and spoke with teachers in attendance. She also heard from a group who pitched their design solution, allowing all to see design thinking in action.

Feedback from Participants

We asked teachers for their feedback on the professional learning days. See what they had to say.

These two days have been the most engaging, hands-on PL I think I have ever been to! Sharon's delivery is fantastic. I feel so motivated and supported to participate in the program. The information, ideas and hands-on session were 'on-point' and the pace was perfect.

Thank you Sharon and Luke for such an informative and interactive 2 days. I have learnt so much in this PD about the Design Thinking Process and 3D printing. I am walking away with a lot more confidence. - Thank you!

I loved the practical aspect of this PL - being able to use the Makers Empire App and then print the design is fantastic! It's a great opportunity for myself as a teacher, however, even more valuable for my students.

Very interesting course. As someone who has not worked with the program, nor 3D printing, before, I found it to be quite accessible, easy to understand and fairly comprehensive. It is well suited to students and novices. I look forward to seeing the program continue to develop, especially regarding the more 'advanced' aspects. So much potential here, and its use in the classroom is so versatile.

Kids in Space Sponsors

The Kids in Space program is possible thanks to our wonderful sponsors.