Session: 12. STEM, Space and Science – Preparing & Inspiring Students for Careers that are Out of this World!

Session: 12. STEM, Space and Science – Preparing & Inspiring Students for Careers that are Out of this World!
April 19, 2022

Abstract:  

Let’s democratize space! To prepare students to think about the space economy, we have  partnered with the Club for the Future to launch a project, where ALL Florida students can  make a postcard depicting a problem on Earth that can be solved with access to space, and  have it flown as payload into space. Upon return to Earth, the postcards will be “stamped”  

flown in space, and then returned to the students. What a commemorative item to have and  imagine the sparks of STEM innovation that will be ignited! This work is further amplified  through partnership with our local planetarium and Spacegate Station, and interactive  curriculum. Learn how to bring all this to your ecosystem! 

Outline:  

How do we raise awareness and cultivate future space pioneers? 

To prepare students to think about the space economy, we have partnered with the Club for  the Future to launch a project, where ALL Florida students can make a postcard depicting a  problem on Earth that can be solved with access to space, and have it flown as payload into  space. Upon return to Earth, the postcards will be “stamped” flown in space, and then returned  to the students. What a commemorative item to have and imagine the sparks of STEM  innovation that will be ignited! We have partnered with Duval County Public Schools on the  project Space Gate Station, and have incorporated a space post box design challenge into the  science fair program. In addition, our local planetarium is involved, where students have a  space-based experience and explore the universe!  

Session Goals:  

By the end of the session, participants will have access to space! Participants will

  • create a postcard to be flown to space and returned to them.  
  • have a deeper understanding of the emerging space economy and the careers that are  rapidly emerging.  
  • learn about Spacegate Station, a free, interactive and virtual instructional STEM  education program for elementary, middle, and high school students, with a setting in a  futuristic space laboratory orbiting the moon.  
  • Learn about contests set in the context of the space economy through the space postal  box challenge. 
  • Learn how an ecosystem approach is being used to bring community partners together  to collaborate around the these projects, and develop an asset map and plan to bring the  program to their ecosystem.  

Join us on this journey and ignite your curiosity about this place called space!

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