Children's Art and Micro-sensors as Educational Probe Payloads

Paper number

IAC-06-E5.P.03

Author

Mr. James Burke, The Planetary Society, United States

Coauthor

Dr. Elvina Finzi, Politecnico di Milano, Italy

Year

2006

Abstract

During the 2004 session of the International Space University in Adelaide, Australia, two Zuni sounding rockets were launched at Woomera carrying payloads prepared by ISU students. The flight equipment included a camera and a suite of other measuring instruments, plus a collection of disks bearing colorful and imaginative drawings made by local children, including those in hospital. 
     Among the measuring devices were 114 small temperature sensors known as i-button thermochrons (www.ibutton.com), one for each ISU student, programmed before and read out after the flights. Both the art objects and the i-buttons were returned to their individual proprietors to be taken home as souvenirs, and the activity was well publicized in Australian media.
     Those experiments demonstrated the potential of other such educational activities, made possible by (a) the use of simple but imaginative techniques for involving children and their artistic talent in student-driven experiments, and (b) the use of available micro-technology for  investigation and learning.
     This paper deals with continuing activities in the realm of low-cost atmospheric and space flight experiments that can be prepared by university students, with participation by children and outreach into the arts community.

Abstract document

IAC-06-E5.P.03.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-06-E5.P.03.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.