Inspiring the Next Generation in Space through Space Outreach in Nigeria
- Paper number
IAC-17,E1,2B,9,x40659
- Year
2017
- Abstract
African Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in English (ARCSSTE-E) consistently ensures the propagation of space education awareness through seminars and outreach workshops. In February 2017, the Centre organised a Zonal Space Education Workshop with the theme, “Space for All: Creating Awareness and Inspiring Students” for secondary schools in North-Central Zone of Nigeria at C&S College, Ilorin, Kwara State. Over 300 secondary school students and science teachers drawn from 32 public and private schools participated in the workshop, which enlightened the participants on various aspects of Space, including definition and characteristics of Space and its environment; human activities about space exploration; careers available for Space enthusiasts; and hands-on sessions on the principles of launching rockets into space. Through the deployment of questionnaires and quiz, assessments of the interests of the participants, including gender classification, in Space have been carried out. The results of the assessments will further support the advocacy of the Centre for the importance of including space-based education in schools’ curriculum in Nigeria, and to further encourage the successes recorded in girl-child education. The overall strategy adopted for the implementation of the Workshop was such that concerned schools, participating teachers and key education administrators within the zone took ownership of the workshop, thereby ensuring the success of it. This strategy, which involved series of discussions, meetings, and mini demonstrations to heighten the interests of administrators, would be adopted for other workshops to be carried out by the Centre. This paper provides details report on the planning and execution of the Space Education Workshop, the activities, assessments of the participants and the critical observations from the assessments. The paper also highlights the key strategies being employed at ensuring the sustainability of the efforts of ARCSSTE-E, and the lessons learnt from the program, going forward.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-17,E1,2B,9,x40659.matter.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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