Victorian Space Science Education Centre: A Unique State of the Art Structure for Learning
- Paper number
IAC-06-E1.2.06
- Author
Ms. Naomi Mathers, Victorian Space Science Education Centre, Australia
- Coauthor
Mr. Michael Pakakis, Australia
- Coauthor
Ms. Anne Brumfitt, Space Qualified Ltd, Australia
- Coauthor
Prof. Lachlan Thompson, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), Australia
- Year
2006
- Abstract
The Victorian Space Science Centre (VSSEC) is a AU$6.4 million world class facility providing students and teachers access to state of the art equipment, exciting and stimulating programs and continuous professional development within a new and exciting structure for learning. Scenario-based programs, including a Mission to Mars and a Mission to the Space Station, are used to stimulate student’s enthusiasm for maths, science and technology across a broad range of topics and demonstrate their relevance and applications
VSSEC has established associations in both education and research with national and international organisations such as ESA, NASA, CSIRO, the Bureau of Meteorology, Universities and industry. These allow for the highest ordering level of pedagogy to direct, focus and extend the breadth of the curricula and in so doing deliver a blended learning environment giving support to the learner and the teacher. This is achieved by offering engagement and state of the art science within an exciting frame work. Evaluation and feedback from target groups has been employed to enhance the delivery offered to each target category. The involvement of universities and industry also demonstrates the relevance of space science beyond the classroom and potential career paths for students.
The outreach capability of VSSEC has been significantly enhanced through international collaboration and networking. This facilitates the input of internationally recognised space scientists with educators to form a coherent base to support the broad curricula. The centre forms a focus for space research through the strong associations with university researchers. This information is then disseminated to students and teachers who benefit from the accessibility of space scientists who are empowered to impart the passion they carry for their field as well as their technical expertise.
The curricula developed at VSSEC supports students, teachers and a diverse range of community groups such as the Mars Society, the National Space Society of Australia, the Australian Space Research Institute and the Scouts and Guides. The ability to engage such a diverse range of people ensures VSSEC achieves its goal of demonstrating the relevance and importance of space science and increases the level of science expertise in the community.
Unlike the trend of edutainment space camps and centres, VSSEC is focused solely on the pedagogy and taxonomy to provide an innovative and unique comprehensive learning experience using space as the vehicle to inspire.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-06-E1.2.06.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.