New Structures And Mechanisms For Space Educational Outreach
- Paper number
IAC-07-E1.2.06
- Author
Ms. Anne Brumfitt, Space Qualified Ltd, Australia
- Coauthor
Prof. Lachlan Thompson, RMIT University, Australia, Australia
- Year
2007
- Abstract
This paper illustrates and evaluates a specific model in which Space has been successfully used as a learning tool within an internet delivered Virtual Learning Environment. Space was used as a means of inspiring interest in science and science communication across age and subject domains as well as supporting prescribed government levels of achievements. A leading initiative has been the design of and fly to the edge of space student designed space mission patches. The space mission patch used by astronauts and cosmonauts to graphically describe their mission objectives has a visual and interest appeal to all ages. London Grid for Learning, which delivers secure interactive learning support to thousands of primary and secondary students across metropolitan London. London Grid in collaboration with the Woomera rocket range in Australia has initiated a program provoking students to design a mission patch depicting the science behind future space exploration. 350,000 students in the scout movement of Australia have also joined the program giving a teaching and learning vehicle for both formal and informal education. The program delivered by a secure internet Virtual Learning Environment enables online personal learning space for individual pupils. Government education initiatives in the United Kingdom, Japan and Australia have facilitated mechanisms for the provision of these highly structured secure internets Virtual Learning Environments (VLE) and Managed Learning Environments (MLE). It accesses stored resources, e-learning, e-portfolios, communication, peer collaboration, invited parental involvement and a global learning environment. It encourages international collaboration and achieves vast economies of scale in learning and teaching terms. The method of using VLE to deliver a “hands on” space launch project was used successfully in Australia in 2006 with primary schools designing mission patches and then the patches placed onboard a Zuni rocket for a launch to 7 Km altitude. Students received a commemorative certificate with a print out of the flight path. In follow up visits to the schools post flight students showed on going passion and interest in space, the event also engaging other classes and families in the broader community.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-07-E1.2.06.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.