28 Jan 2013
The science of space is something most high school students can only dream of experiencing
For 5 students from years 10 and 11 this became a reality.
During the September school holidays they joined 20 other students from the Western Sydney region to travel to the US Space and Rocket Research Centre in Huntsville, Alabama.
Over 6 days the students had the chance to experience being an Astronaut and learning about the physical, emotional and mental demands they are faced with.
The training is jam packed and includes undertaking microgravity simulations using SCUBA in a 10 m training tank, using the multi axis trainer, flight simulator training, as well as some leadership activities including the high ropes course. Participants also get the chance to talk to ex-astronauts and leaders in the aerospace field. The program is open for Year 9 to 11 students and is an enrichment and leadership program designed to instill a passion for science in the students and to encourage them to become leaders in their schools and communities.
The program now in its third year will be offered to students in years 9-11 next year by the Metropolitan South West Science Teachers Association (LAZSTA).
The aim of the program is to engage students who are interested in science and motivate them to pursue a scientific career. It is not specifically aimed at students who are academically gifted in science, rather those who have a genuine interest and curiosity for the subject.
Students are away overseas for 16 days. In this way besides the Space Academy program they also visit science centre's and undertake cultural activities in Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. The trip consists of nonstop visits to iconic Hollywood, a baseball game, USS Midway tour, California Sustainability Centre, the Griffith Observatory, California Science Centre, Alcatraz, SeaWorld, the La Brea Tarpits, and, naturally, the trip also included a visit to California Disney Adventure Park and Universal Studios.
Bernanda Telalovic
Yr11 Student
For more information see www.spacecamp.com.au
or visit the Department of Education Magazine "Side by Side"
https://detwww.det.nsw.edu.au/news/sbs/highschool/yr2012/nov/casula.htm
Expressions of interest from students in years 9-11 for 2013 are open for the 2013 program.