take space to grassroots and ignite the passion of space career in high school students through space education outreach
- Paper number
IAC-16,E1,2,1,x32509
- Coauthor
Mr. Kingsley Ukaegbu, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria
- Coauthor
Mrs. Claudia Kessler, He Space Children Foundation, Germany
- Coauthor
Ms. Kendra Toole, Orbital Sciences Corporation, United States
- Coauthor
Mr. Michael Ifeanyi Ugom, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Nigeria
- Year
2016
- Abstract
It is certain that Space Education is very important for sustainable space development especially in the underdeveloped country like Nigeria and as children is going to bear new era of space development. This project was done to ignite the curious mind of high school children in the rural areas in Space Education and Technology development. The European nation has recently focused on space education for the young generation to enhance sustainable space development, however; our country as a developing country does not consider investing in the children the basic knowledge of space technology and astronomy. Even the attempts made by the National Space Research and Development Agency to involve young children into space was only focused in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, Where there was already Modern High Schools that are highly equipped. This project bridged the gap in opportunities available in the rural to urban areas. This project enhanced basic science education in the rural areas and build the space development program thus, achieving the mission of He Space Children Foundation. The targeted objectives was to carry out space education outreach sensitization to the high schools in 3 rural communities and equipped the schools visited with standard space science equipment’s. Introduced the students to Universe in a box to enhance the study of the universe, and to initiate a team project on space and astronomy among young students. Thus over 1,610 high school students was involved. The project also focused on Teacher's re-training by holding workshops within the Local Communities and over 200 Science Teachers turned up in the first workshop and sensitization in 2015. It was observed that most of teachers realized space can be applied not only for astronomy but also in various subjects. Although, most of teachers do not have enough time for investigating or preparing teaching materials as they have to put lots of effort to extracurricular activities held after school and weekends (like farm practice). It is necessary for the government to study and analyze more about present issues on educational field and to build effective infrastructure to spread space education based on demands. I believe that mysteries of space can stir up children’s 3 spirits (“Curiosity”, “Adventurous” and “Craftsman-ship”). It is my most important mission to motivate young students via space education at their early stage of school life. As part of my personal volunteered Community Development Service during my National Service.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-16,E1,2,1,x32509.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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