Space Generation Congress 2004 Inspiring Education Projects

Paper number

IAC-05-E1.3.07

Author

Ms. Zahra Khan, Carleton University, Canada

Coauthor

Mr. Timothy Bailey, Space Generaton Foundation, United States

Coauthor

Mr. Kanako Daigo, Nihon University, Japan

Coauthor

Mr. Kirk Kittell, Orbital Sciences Corporation, United States

Coauthor

Mrs. Jennifer Bailey, Zero Gravity Corporation, United States

Year

2005

Abstract

The Space Generation Congress (SGC) 2004 organized by the United Nations Space Generation Advisory Council (UNSGAC) was held concurrently with the International Astronautical Congress 2004 in Vancouver. The theme of this congress was "Explorers Wanted" and it was aimed at bringing together students and young professionals interested in space exploration to brainstorm space-related projects in various fields through different working groups. The authors of this paper were part of the Inspiring Education working group tasked with devising educational projects aimed at inspiring an interest in space in young people. After several discussions, three projects were identified for further development.     

The first project is a space education web portal designed to make educational resources more accessible to educators. This project arose out of the realization that there are innumerable space-related educational materials and resources available on the internet, which makes it difficult for educators to choose one best suited to their needs. The idea is then to create a search engine that serves as a one-stop shop for an educator's space education needs by providing links to existing resources through a database searchable by various criteria and containing peer reviews of the educational material. This project also entails a marketing campaign to promote the use of this portal among educators.    

The second project consists of creating original educational material in the form of a space exhibit travelling with the IAC. This exhibit would be provided to schools in the host city prior to the IAC to increase awareness about space in general and space-related events taking place in the students' community. The students might also have a chance to create their own space projects for display at the IAC.    

Finally, the Inspiring Education working group also decided to contribute to the space textbook project at the University of Illionois. This textbook is aimed at Grades 7-8 and contains units relating space to a wide variety of disciplines so that space can be used as a teaching aid in various classes. The authors intend to support this project through providing content as well as helping with administrative details.

Abstract document

IAC-05-E1.3.07.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-05-E1.3.07.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.