|
This pilot project employs Earth systems science research to increase the proportion of students who identify themselves as being able to take part in the Australian space industry and to create a cadre of science teacher champions to build capability and capacity in bridging inquiry-based learning with university science and engineering research.
Around 40 teachers will form the core of a professional learning network. They will draw upon the Earth systems scientists from Flinders University and beyond to develop their own understanding and ability to facilitate research in this area. Teachers will choose up to 10 secondary students each to develop a research project within the program. A longitudinal study will track the path of students to determine the success of the project in encouraging students to choose space-related studies at university.
The South Australian Museum will run a public outreach program with events planned with the involvement of students participating in the project. The project will also include interaction between the participating students and Aboriginal people to assist the students to understand Aboriginal people’s deep understanding of the land in the context of the space education project.
Participating students will develop their project planning and research skills as they learn how earth observation techniques can help to address issues and inform decision making on the ground. Airborne analogues of satellite missions will be undertaken by the students who will decide which instruments will be included in each payload and what data will be collected in each mission, including the area of Australia from which it will be drawn. Where possible students’ findings will be integrated into existing research and innovation projects, and to inform decision making by land-holders, councils etc. Information on the project is available at the Flinders university website.
|