08 August 2023
West Australian students have launched out-of-this-world solutions to problems faced by the space industry.
Six WA public primary schools took part in the 2023 Kids in Space national education program where students were tasked to develop solutions to space-related challenges.
The program teaches students about innovation, teamwork, and problem solving, while also providing insight to space careers and Australia’s role in the space industry.
Settlers Primary School students presenting at Scitech.
It is run by Makers Empire, The Australian Space Agency and The Andy Thomas Space Foundation.
Cooinda Primary School, Settlers Primary School, Bindoon Primary School, Tammin Primary School, Gascoyne Junction Remote Community School, and Bull Creek Primary School took part in the program this year which culminated in a competition showcase at Scitech.
Settlers Primary School took out the peer prize with a meteor detection system designed to reduce danger and help scientists study space.
Settlers Primary School science specialist Sarah Beahan said it was fantastic to watch the students work on their projects.
“All three groups who completed their projects and went to the showcase event were so driven, determined and enthusiastic while working in their teams. They were all hugely proud of their achievements,” she said.
Settlers Primary School student Madeleine Oliver said it was great to present at Scitech.
“It was extremely exciting and a little nerve-wracking when we won. When we got called up, I was so delighted,” she said.
Also presenting at Scitech was Gascoyne Junction Remote Community School students who created ideas to reduce light pollution to ensure ground-based telescopes on Earth can continue scientific research.
Meanwhile, Bindoon Primary School students designed specialised games to keep astronauts mentally fit during long stays in space.