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NASA helping teachers explore the final frontier

Nasa astronaut Alvin Drew watches as Ryan Sivewright, James McCabe, Callum Ellis, Brandon McLeod and Christopher Gellatly launch their rocket, at the annual space school at Abertay University, Dundee.
Nasa astronaut Alvin Drew watches as Ryan Sivewright, James McCabe, Callum Ellis, Brandon McLeod and Christopher Gellatly launch their rocket, at the annual space school at Abertay University, Dundee.

Tayside primary school teachers are exploring the final frontier this week.

As part of preparation for the forthcoming Tayside Space School organised by Abertay University, a group of teachers from Dundee and Perth and Kinross will discover new ways of using space as a means of enthusing children’s curiosity in science.

They will participate in a Mission To Mars Space School involving a series of space-related topics, design challenges and activities.

They will design a Martian space suit, create a working robotic rover, construct a water filtration device, build and launch a rocket and learn the importance of team work.

The training will allow the teachers to run a series of Saturday sessions throughout the year and the week-long summer space school the only one of its kind in Scotland.

Professor John Palfreyman, head of the school of contemporary sciences at Abertay, said, “Four years ago, a number of Dundee teachers went out to Houston to learn more about space education and to take that knowledge back to the classroom.

“We have now arranged for the trainers to come here to train a new set of teachers to run and maintain the space school programme for us here in Tayside.

“The space school offers a unique opportunity for local children and is an excellent way of igniting their interest in space, and science as a whole, so it’s crucial that we have a set of well-trained teachers on board to continue to deliver this fantastic programme and spark enthusiasm and curiosity in what could be the next generation of local scientists.”

Two space educators are visiting Tayside until Wednesday, training teachers in both Dundee and Perth and Kinross primary schools.

Patricia Moore of NASA’s Johnston Space Center said, “We plan to use space exploration as a catalyst to excite students about science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education.

“Our goal is that students will be inspired to stay involved in these areas and become educated citizens and productive members of Scotland’s science industries.”

You can find more on NASA’s education programmes by visiting www.nasa.gov/offices/education/about/index.html