Space School: JAXA Space Education Program for Secondary Education
- Paper number
IAC-16,E1,IP,27,x33680
- Coauthor
Ms. KEIKO MIYATA, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Japan
- Coauthor
Ms. Tomoko Ohkubo, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Japan
- Year
2016
- Abstract
JAXA performs its space education activities toward primary and secondary school aged children through the use of space as a means to teach something greater. One such activity is called “Space School” and it is targeted for secondary school aged children. Space School is a program similar to a “camp” where students stay overnight for several days. Space Schools are conducted at JAXA field centers, Universities, research facilities, science museums, etc. and participants are given the opportunity to experience firsthand the front lines of space and science research from actual engineers and researchers. Space Schools are generally conducted during extended school breaks. The purpose of this program is not to be a mere “tour”, but to provide children with something tangible that will help them find something that will pique their interest along with an opportunity to think about their future career paths. Therefore we aim to provide the participants the opportunity to not only gain knowledge but to experience the Space School program with their own hands. We construct the program in a way that allows them to see what research facilities are like, learn about various aerospace subjects, interact with engineers and researchers all so that they can work together to present their experiences throughout the duration of the program. Furthermore, JAXA actively assists the children who participate in our programs to present about their experiences in their local communities (schools, organizations, etc.). Most of the Space School participants are very outgoing and have high aspirations. We have learned that such aspirations are highly propagative and the report of one participant can positively stimulate hundreds of other children. In this paper, JAXA provides specific examples, methods and feedback of this program. We will continue our efforts to improve this program and our space education activities.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
(absent)