How holistic interactive experience can inspire the younger generation through voluntary engagement

Paper number

IAC-17,E1,1,11,x39444

Author

Dr. Fatima AlAydaroos, UAE Space Agency, United Arab Emirates

Year

2017

Abstract

Astronauts, scientists, and Engineers working in Aerospace and space industry were inspired to follow such careers because of some related event that they had experienced during their childhood. These may be a natural phenomenon such as witnessing a Solar Eclipse or a meteor shower, while some are manmade and have a powerful effect in igniting the imagination, such as the first man in space who orbited the Earth or the first humans to land on the moon. For example, Armstrong at the age of six took his first airplane ride, which made him, determined to become a pilot. 
If we are to build a bright and exciting future for our nation, we need to focus on the most valuable resources we have the younger generation. To do that we need to inspire them from an early age and empower them with knowledge, teaching them creative and innovative ways of thinking. In the UAE, we encourage and inspire the youth on the importance of engaging in space exploration and experimentation by getting them involved in holistic interactive on experiences. It is a well-known fact that involving all your senses in in an activity enriches your experience of it. In this way, Knowledge is retained, providing an extended background to solving problems and the insight towards future discoveries and developments.
The UAE Space Agency engaged its nation’s student through different type of activities such as:
1.	Boeing capsule
2.	Genes in Space competition
3.	James webb Space telescope “INTO THE UNKOWN”  
The presentation will explain the objectives, phases, and the outcomes from running such kind of activities and the powerful impact it has in inspiring the younger generation through voluntary engagement.

Abstract document

IAC-17,E1,1,11,x39444.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-17,E1,1,11,x39444.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.