Our STEM Enthusiasts Triumph in Kids in Space Program
The Kids in Space Program, an Australia-first initiative by The Andy Thomas Space Foundation with support from the Australian Space Agency and delivery partner Makers Empire, engages students in exciting, space-themed STEM learning and design thinking. The national space education program, introduces students to space technology and raises awareness about job opportunities in the space industry.
After submitting a nomination form, our school was accepted into the program and received a free 3D printer. Throughout Semester 1, 25 of our STEM enthusiasts participated in STEM enrichment sessions during Monday lunchtimes as part of the Kids in Space Makers Empire Challenge.
As part of the challenge, students were asked to create something that could help astronauts live and work in space or use space technologies to solve a problem on Earth.
In preparation for this challenge four of our students, Kaylah, Arabella, Sophia, and Hallie, were selected to conduct detailed research, including a visit to the Space Centre in Adelaide. During their investigation they discovered it was common for astronauts to need to clear their sinuses will chilli drops.
This led the students to innovate a convenient way for astronauts to consume these drops – a lozenge dispenser. These students were able to identify a problem, work out a solution and set about coming up with a design. The end result was a 3D example of their design which was submitted, competing against 13 other schools from South Australia. To our delight they took out first place for their design. We are so proud of their achievement, representing themselves and SPW beautifully. After their win the girls were interviewed on ABC radio and did a fabulous job explaining the process. You can listen to the interview here. Their victory allows them to present their idea at the National Day event in Adelaide in November, where they will compete against other state finalists.
Congratulations girls, we are so proud of you!
Article shared by Lisa Harris, Head of Learning and Teaching