Scottish Space School - Inspiring the next generation of scientist and engineers
- Paper number
IAC-09.A1.8.6
- Author
Mrs. Hyang Lloyd, Scottish Space School Foundation USA, United States
- Coauthor
Mr. Alex Blackwood, Careers Scotland, United Kingdom
- Coauthor
Mr. Gordon McVie, University of Strathclyde, United Kingdom
- Year
2009
- Abstract
The Scottish Space School is an education outreach program that inspires, motivates and raises the aspirations of young people in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Through its unique strategic partnerships with NASA and the international space community, the Scottish Space School has harnessed the fascination and excitement of space exploration to encourage more students to study STEM subjects in high school and at university, and to consider the wide range of career opportunities in science and engineering. Core elements of the Space School; 1) a week long residential space camp for Secondary school students, 2) a primary and secondary school visit programme, and 3) curricular support materials for science teachers from NASA Education. Between 2002 and 2008 approximately 1000 students attended space camp, either at Space Center Houston or at a Scottish university. NASA astronauts, scientists and engineers have delivered the STEM message to over 150,000 young people, representing 20% of Scotland’s total school population, and one in four of the 500 people who have flown in space have visited Scottish schools. After seven years there is statistical and anecdotal evidence to demonstrate the positive impact the Space School has had on both subject choice and career aspirations. Over 80% of Space School participants choose STEM courses at university and a similar proportion choose careers in science or engineering on graduation. As the cohorts mature it is believed that the findings will further substantiate the current observations that the Space School has played a key role in increasing the number of students taking more STEM related courses at high school as well as entering into the STEM related fields at the university level in Scotland. The provenance, development and growth of the Scottish Space School provide a fascinating educational model on how inspirational figures from the human space programme can inspire others to achieve their full potential for the benefit of society and the economy. The Scottish Space School received the Arthur C Clark Award for Education in 2006 and the Global Best Award for excellence in partnership working from the conference board of Canada and the international partnership network.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-09.A1.8.6.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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