Using Space Science as the driver for Science Advancement
- Paper number
IAC-11,E1,4,3,x11201
- Author
Dr. Lee-Anne McKinnell, South African National Space Agency (SANSA), South Africa
- Coauthor
Ms. Elisa Fraser, South African Government, South Africa
- Coauthor
Mr. Msizi Kathide, South African Government, South Africa
- Year
2011
- Abstract
The Space Science Directorate of the South African National Space Agency (SANSA: Space Science) located in Hermanus, South Africa is the only facility that houses a science center within an approximately 200 km radius. The SANSA Science Center is the primary awareness center for Space Science in South Africa, and aims to reach learners, educators, students, and the general public. Space Science is an amazing tool for promoting the fun of science and for conveying educational concepts that are part of the curriculum. Together with partners in the education department and subject advisers SANSA promotes the science curriculum and uses Space Science as the driver. In addition, SANSA makes use of opportunities for exposure of young people to Space Science through activities such as the SANSA holiday program, National Science Week and World Space Week. In addition, the general public are invited to tour the Space Science center on regular occasions, and a public lecture series is run at the Hermanus facility to bring space science to the people. Recently, SANSA obtained, with the assistance of the South African Agency for the Advancement of Science and Technology (SAASTA), a mobile learning facility which has allowed the Science Advancement group to take Space Science to the learners in schools. Another success story has been the exposure of young people to Space Weather through the newly opened Space Weather Center. This presentation will showcase the success of using space science as a driver for creating excitement, and enjoyment in science, as well as providing the idea that Space Science is a viable career option. In addition, the presentation will include some overviews of the SANSA holiday program and other events, and will highlight the benefit provided by the mobile learning facility.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-11,E1,4,3,x11201.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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