Project Sky Science: Bringing Aerospace into Canadian Classrooms

Paper number

IAC-14,E1,2,10,x26614

Author

Mr. Scott Taylor, Canada

Coauthor

Mr. Adam Vigneron, International Space University, Carleton University, Canada

Coauthor

Mr. Richard Bloch, Canada

Year

2014

Abstract

Let’s Talk Science is an award-winning, national, charitable organization that has been supporting STEM education in Canada for over 20 years, with the goals of improving scientific literacy and preparing youth to be scientifically and technologically literate citizens in the 21st century. This session will focus on Let’s Talk Science’s efforts to promote and support aerospace education in high school classrooms across Canada through its Project Sky Science initiative. 

Project Sky Science brings aerospace graduate students, academics, and professionals together with educators and students, providing opportunities for members of the academic, professional, and government sectors to share their knowledge and passions about their fields with youth, via both in-person outreach and virtually through CurioCity, Let’s Talk Science’s online web-based STEM program for teens and educators. 

With Sky Science, Let’s Talk Science is capitalizing on the unique ability of aerospace to inspire the public, promoting an interest in aerospace careers, an appreciation of the value and impact of aerospace on our lives, and opportunities for critical thinking about science and technology issues. Project Sky Science offers a variety of ways for members of the aerospace community to communicate with teens and their educators, from providing articles on topics and writing career profiles to supporting participating in live online Q&A sessions with participating classrooms. By connecting with the aerospace community, educators can deepen their own understanding of the concepts, enabling them to teach more effectively and engaging their students with real-world content.

A key element of Project Sky Science in 2013 was the RADI-N2 & You action project, in which over 7,500 students in more than 300 classrooms across Canada measured neutron radiation levels alongside CSA astronaut Chris Hadfield on board the International Space Station and Jazz Aviation pilots on their flights. These resources are accessible for free at www.ExploreCurioCity.org.

Project Sky Science is continuing to grow in 2014 and beyond as it builds upon the lessons – technical, promotional, logistical, and more  – learned in its first year of implementation. Let’s Talk Science’s new role in the award-winning Tomatosphere project will add new depth to Project Sky Science.

Abstract document

IAC-14,E1,2,10,x26614.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-14,E1,2,10,x26614.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.