Learn how to use aerospace engineering and STEM learning principles to create engaging and interactive hands-on activities for space exploration education.

In Age of the Moon project, we use a board game to educate studnets and young professionals (in space but also general public) about the future of the Moon exploration. Using a board game as a prompt to discuss the opportunities and challenges of the New Moon Race is a powerful tool that is not only super fun, but it is also a simultion of potential future scenarios that can actually happen if multiple actors will target a relatively limited area of interest on the Moon. This helps the participants to connect with the news they might hear on the media about the Moon, and reflect on the impact of the decisions that are taken on the seemingly unreachable heights of space agencies and companies.

For the design of any and every project I recommend KISS: keep it simple stupid A method that explains itself really. And when it comes to education... specially that of a complex subject such as space. Breaking down space-subjects into simple and bite sized portions will make your space educational program much more accessible to many learning levels and audiences.

How can you design effective hands-on activities for space exploration education?

Space exploration is a fascinating and inspiring topic for many students and educators, but how can you make it more engaging and interactive in the classroom or online? In this article, you will learn some tips and examples of how to design effective hands-on activities for space exploration education, based on the principles of aerospace engineering and STEM learning. Whether you want to simulate rocket launches, explore planetary surfaces, or design space habitats, you will find some ideas and resources to spark your creativity and curiosity.

1 Identify your learning objectives

Before you start designing your hands-on activities, you need to have a clear idea of what you want your students to learn and achieve. What are the key concepts, skills, and attitudes that you want to develop and assess? How do they align with the curriculum standards and the interests of your students? How will you measure and evaluate their learning outcomes? Having specific and measurable learning objectives will help you to select and adapt the most suitable activities for your educational context and goals.

Add your perspective

2 Choose appropriate materials and methods

Once you have your learning objectives, you need to think about what materials and methods you will use to create your hands-on activities. Depending on your budget, time, and space constraints, you may opt for low-cost, high-impact materials such as cardboard, paper, balloons, or recycled items, or you may invest in more sophisticated equipment such as sensors, robotics, or 3D printers. You also need to consider what methods will best suit your activities, such as inquiry-based learning, project-based learning, or problem-based learning. These methods encourage students to explore, experiment, and solve real-world challenges related to space exploration.

Add your perspective

David Vargas

Spacecraft Systems Engineer @ Boeing | Founder @ Astranavem | NextGen Collective 30u30 Honoree | Aerospace Career Consultant | Part-time Inventor | Full-time Innovator | Empowering the next Space Generation 🚀
Report contribution
For the design of any and every project I recommend KISS: keep it simple stupid A method that explains itself really. And when it comes to education... specially that of a complex subject such as space. Breaking down space-subjects into simple and bite sized portions will make your space educational program much more accessible to many learning levels and audiences.

Like
Aleksandra Kozawska

Design Lead in Space Industry | Service & Strategy Design | ISU | TOP 100 Aviation and Aerospace Professionals to follow
Report contribution
I love the metaphore of the overview effect - seeing the problem from a holistic perspective, from a distance which is so very often missed when working on the engineering projects in the space industry. In the courses that I give, this element always come into play. By using case studies and guiding the students through the workshop of a new product definition process, we put the emphasis on the fact that technical requirements are important, but in the end the value that you bring and the user needs that you meet are the key to success.

Like

3 Incorporate relevant content and context

To make your hands-on activities more meaningful and authentic, you should incorporate relevant content and context from the field of aerospace engineering and space exploration. For example, you can use data, images, or videos from NASA, ESA, or other space agencies to provide background information, inspiration, or feedback for your activities. You can also use scenarios, stories, or simulations that reflect the current or future challenges and opportunities of space exploration, such as climate change, asteroid mining, or colonization. This will help your students to connect their activities to the real world and to the broader goals and values of space exploration.

Add your perspective

Aleksandra Kozawska

Design Lead in Space Industry | Service & Strategy Design | ISU | TOP 100 Aviation and Aerospace Professionals to follow
Report contribution
In Age of the Moon project, we use a board game to educate studnets and young professionals (in space but also general public) about the future of the Moon exploration. Using a board game as a prompt to discuss the opportunities and challenges of the New Moon Race is a powerful tool that is not only super fun, but it is also a simultion of potential future scenarios that can actually happen if multiple actors will target a relatively limited area of interest on the Moon. This helps the participants to connect with the news they might hear on the media about the Moon, and reflect on the impact of the decisions that are taken on the seemingly unreachable heights of space agencies and companies.

Like

4 Foster collaboration and communication

One of the benefits of hands-on activities is that they can foster collaboration and communication among students and educators. By working in teams, students can share their ideas, perspectives, and skills, and learn from each other. They can also practice their communication skills by presenting their results, findings, or solutions to their peers, teachers, or other audiences. You can enhance the collaboration and communication aspects of your activities by using tools such as online platforms, video conferencing, or social media, or by partnering with other classrooms, schools, or organizations that share your interest in space exploration.

Add your perspective

Aleksandra Kozawska

Design Lead in Space Industry | Service & Strategy Design | ISU | TOP 100 Aviation and Aerospace Professionals to follow
Report contribution
When teaching space engineering students, I'm often surprised by the fact that they rarely have clases in a teamwork workshop style - something that when studying design is at the core of the education. Students pretty much every time appreciate the hands on experience, reflection and ideas exchange with the other students, there should be definitely more of that in the engineering schools if we want these students to help us solve the real life problems in a truly multidisciplinary ways. Collaboration with creative profiles such as industrial design students or artists also brings super interesting results and connections, otherwise impossible. In the end, diversity is the power and reality in most successful companies!

Like

5 Provide feedback and reflection

The final step of designing effective hands-on activities for space exploration education is to provide feedback and reflection opportunities for your students and yourself. Feedback can help your students to improve their performance, understanding, and motivation, and to identify their strengths and areas for improvement. You can provide feedback in various ways, such as verbal, written, or visual, and from different sources, such as yourself, peers, or experts. Reflection can help your students to consolidate their learning, to evaluate their process and outcomes, and to relate their experiences to their personal and professional goals. You can facilitate reflection by using prompts, questions, or portfolios, and by encouraging self-assessment and peer assessment.

Add your perspective

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

How can you design effective hands-on activities for space exploration education?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Identify your learning objectives

2 Choose appropriate materials and methods

3 Incorporate relevant content and context

4 Foster collaboration and communication

5 Provide feedback and reflection

6 Here’s what else to consider

Aerospace Engineering

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Aerospace Engineering

More relevant reading

How can you design effective hands-on activities for space exploration education?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Identify your learning objectives

2 Choose appropriate materials and methods

3 Incorporate relevant content and context

4 Foster collaboration and communication

5 Provide feedback and reflection

6 Here’s what else to consider

Aerospace Engineering

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills