Two astronauts, multiple space experts, and infinite career possibilities.
Scitech and the Australian Space Agency invite primary schools across the country to get inspired by several space specialists, including Australian astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg and retired NASA astronaut Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger.
As part of their Mission: SPACE virtual excursions, Scitech will deliver a special four-part program for Year 3 to Year 6 students to find out firsthand about space and STEM careers.
These sessions will be free and beamed straight into classrooms across the country during the upcoming National Science Week, which will be held from 9-17 August. The theme for this year's Science Week is 'Decoding the Universe'.
Don't miss out
Registrations are now open for Scitech's special virtual excursions for this National Science Week.
“Being an astronaut with the Australian flag on my shoulder represents the hard work, innovation and ambition of all Australians working in STEM fields,” shares Australian astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg.
"These virtual excursions are an important platform to reach into classrooms with thousands of Australian students.
“I’m grateful for the chance to help inspire this next generation of space innovators through the vast range of careers space offers.
"Australia’s space industry is exciting and pushing the boundaries of science and technology.
“I want more young people to be encouraged by this – knowing that they too can be part of Australia’s space future," the Australian astronaut adds.
Sparking curiosities
Retired NASA astronaut Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger will share with young Aussie students her journey from high school teacher to an astronaut living on the International Space Station.
“Space exploration impacts everyone, is for everyone, and needs you. I hope you remain curious and join in the Scitech Mission,” Ms Metcalf-Lindenburger said.
Scitech Primary STEM Coordinator Ryan Forsyth said Mission: SPACE would encourage students to explore the possibilities of space careers, while also helping them develop essential skills.
“Students will not only learn what it’s like to be an astronaut, but also a space communicator, systems engineer, technology officer, space policy advisor, and a researcher who’s working on how to grow plants in space.
“We hope Mission: SPACE gets students excited to learn more about space and, who knows, maybe it’s the spark that ignites a lifelong curiosity and a future career," Mr Forsyth adds.
About Mission: SPACE
Announced in March this year, this national program is aimed to prepare young Australians for exciting, futuristic space and STEM careers.
Mission: SPACE is being delivered by Scitech and powered by the Australian Space Agency to shape the imaginations and capabilities of the next generation.
Scitech, a Western Australia-based education institution, is renowned for making science accessible for all ages by offering innovative, hands-on exhibits, dynamic programs, and engaging events.
Upcoming virtual excursions
Four free 45-minute digital sessions will be centred around this year’s National Science Week.
- Monday 11 August – Enigmatic Earth and Space
- Tuesday 12 August – Cryptic Chemistry
- Wednesday 13 August – Puzzling Physics
- Thursday 14 August – Baffling Biology
The sessions will start live each day at the following times:
- 9.00am (Australian Western Standard Time)
- 10.30am (Australian Central Standard Time)
- 11.00am (Australian Eastern Standard Time)
The space experts that will feature in Scitech's special virtual excursions:
- Angie Waszewski
PhD student researching solar storms, The International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research - Aniket Jagtap
Senior Trailblazer System Engineer, Australian Space Agency
- Catherine Grace
Director Civil Space Policy, Australian Space Agency - Georgia Dallimore
Space Communicator, Australian Space Discovery Centre - Frazer Thorpe
Education and Engagement Manager, Plants For Space - Lauren Springer
Space Technology Officer, Australian Space Agency
- Nat Shearer
Space Systems Engineer, Australian Space Agency - Stephen Moggach
Space Crystallography Lead, University of Western Australia's School of Molecular Sciences - Sze Wai (Anna) Tse
Research Associate, Plants For Space
Don't miss out
Registrations are now open for Scitech's special virtual excursions for this National Science Week.