Space Teams SpaceCRAFT Exploration Challenge, STE(A)M, and Essential Skills

Brad Murphy, Head of Technology, and Innovation (Co-Curricular), The Scots School Albury

Brad Murphy, Head of Technology, and Innovation (Co-Curricular), The Scots School Albury

As the Head of Technology and Innovation (Co-Curricular) at The Scots School Albury, I am always on the lookout for authentic experiences for students to learn from world-class experts and do that while they are learning important skills that will benefit them in their real lives, now and into the future. Being a school in a regional Australian town rather than a large capital city, in the past, it was difficult, if not impossible, to access such experiences. However, now more than ever, leveraging technology through online platforms has made this a reality. This is where, as educators, we must leverage technology in such a way that allows for transformative experiences that could not happen without the technology, especially for those who might have otherwise missed out.

The most beneficial and rewarding experiences for students are ones that are interdisciplinary that might include a STE(A)M approach, including the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Arts while also allowing students to experience the so-called ‘soft skills’ are better termed ‘essential skills,’ including Communication, Creativity, Collaboration, Critical Thinking. Being a ‘Design for Deeper Learning’ partner school, we also add Citizenship and Character to the list of these essential skills, which are called ‘The Deep Learning Competencies,’ otherwise known as ‘The 6 C’s’. Authentic and beneficial experiences do not have to include all these aspects of ‘STE(A)M’ and ‘The 6 C’s’ but one that includes most of them will have a high degree of authenticity and benefit for students.

One such experience I have had the pleasure of giving students (from years 4 to 11) access to is the International SpaceCRAFT Exploration Challenge through a group called Space Teams. This opportunity was developed by Professor Gregory Chamitoff, a former NASA Astronaut, and brought to Australia by ‘One Giant Leap Australia.’ This challenge addresses most, if not all, the aspect of STE(A)M and the 6 C’s, made possible only by leveraging technology to give students anywhere in the world access to innovative technology and experts in the related STE(A)M fields. Not only do students have access to software and world-class experts, but they also get to put into practice many of the knowledge and skills presented to them by the experts.

So, what do students do in this challenge that makes it tick so many of these boxes?

Students joined up into small groups as part of a space mission team and used a high-fidelity simulation software called SpaceCRAFT. In this platform, they work together and individually to complete an entire space exploration mission from start to finish

Not only did they collaborate within their team and between teams from schools in the local community, but they were also part of a competition involving over 150 students from other parts of Australia and other countries, including the USA, UK, Bangladesh and Egypt.

As students worked on completing their mission, this involved designing spacecraft and associated systems, navigating to another planet through designing orbital mechanics, landing their space vehicle, building a planetary habitat, and exploring a new planet to find resources in order to sustain human life! As students completed all these activities, they had to communicate with each other and show critical thinking as they had to solve problems in order to make their mission a success. Often, they would have to figure out solutions to problems, such as ‘delta-V’ with rocket design and orbital trajectories to reach a distant planet. Not only did figuring out these solutions involve critical thinking, but creativity was also required to produce novel solutions when early iterations did not work as planned. Another example of creativity was when they had to create their own team mission patch design.

The software they used incorporates accurate planetary and rocketry data from NASA/JPL making the design of their rockets and orbital trajectories authentic. The software is also used by tertiary students completing degrees in space sciences, some of whom are also tutors in the program for the school students involved.

Advice for educators is when choosing experiences for students, choose ones that are authentic and involve a multidisciplinary approach, such as ‘STE(A)M.’ Also, explore how the chosen experience addresses the Essential Skills, such as the 6 C’s.

In order to support students in successfully completing their mission, they enrolled in an online learning platform. Here they learned from subject matter experts, including astronauts, scientists, architects, and engineers who are directly involved in ongoing missions as part of their careers, as they compete with other teams for the best mission design. This includes both live webinars, which include question and answer sessions, as well as pre-recorded content to teach students the knowledge and skills that they then put into practice as part of designing and executing their space mission. A common theme from guest Astronauts spoke of the power of space sciences in making the world a better place where national borders and associated disputes dissolve, and the emphasis is on global citizenship. The Space Teams International SpaceCRAFT Challenge stretched students’ capabilities, often seemingly beyond their perceived capabilities. However, with support, working within their Vygotskian zone of proximal development, students succeeded in the end. Their struggle made their success even more worthwhile, and this required character, where they never gave up and worked with each other to ensure success, even to the extent of showing care and concern for others in their struggle.

What were the Outcomes for Students?

The outcome of this program resulted in many students being inspired by young explorers to pursue STEM subjects in school, possibly and ultimately enabling them to join the international community of scientists and engineers working on the space frontier should they choose to. Students got to interact and network with STEM professionals who work in the space industry! This could not have taken place without the leveraging of technology to make that a reality.

The Space Teams International SpaceCRAFT Exploration Challenge is just one example of how the use of technology can bring the world, and even the universe, to students regardless of where they are in the world. The takeaway advice for educators is when choosing experiences for students, choose ones that are authentic and involve a multidisciplinary approach, such as ‘STE(A)M.’ Also, explore how the chosen experience addresses the Essential Skills, such as the 6 C’s. If the chosen program is engaging and ticks all these boxes, then it is sure to be a life-changing experience, as this program has been for many students around the world.