The Careers Scotland Space School, also known as the Scottish Space School, is an organisation set up by Careers Scotland and funded by the Scottish Government. This is a government programme, organised as a partnership initiative with NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), to encourage young people to gain an interest in STEM subjects, Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.[1]
The Initiatives
The programme provides support teaching materials and includes provision for 120 pupils to attend a summer school, which focuses on electronics and life sciences, at the University of Strathclyde. There is also a series of visits to schools by NASA astronauts and scientists. For example, in June 2007 staff from NASA attended an exhibition in Nairn.[2] In 2007 it is using a staged competition-like structure, with the top prize (for 52 students) a 12-day trip to Johnson Space Center, in Houston, Texas.[1]
Endorsing the Programme
In March 2007, Nick Patrick, to show his support for the Space School,[3][4] returned to Edinburgh, carrying a saltire flag that had been with him on his first NASA space mission, with a student who was participating in the Space School.[5]
The Scotsman described the initiative as "a world-leading programme".[6] Alex Blackwood, the programme founder, won the 2006 Achievement in Education Sir Arthur Clarke Award.[7][8] A regular invited presenter at the school is the Cyborg scientist Kevin Warwick.
References
- 1 2 "Space School", Careers Scotland
- ↑ "Top Astronauts Make Landing In Nairn", The Press and Journal, 19 June 2007
- ↑ "Astronaut flies the flag for Scotland" Archived August 25, 2007, at the Wayback Machine, The Scottish Parliament, 6 September 2006
- ↑ "Scottish Parliament Saltire prepares for space mission" Archived March 31, 2009, at the Wayback Machine, The Scottish Parliament, 5 December 2006
- ↑ "One small step for Scotland", The Scotsman, 21 March 2007
- ↑ "Lossiemouth's chance to rival Cape Canaveral", Alastair Jamieson, The Scotsman, 17 July 2007
- ↑ "2006 Winners" Archived September 29, 2007, at the Wayback Machine, The Sir Arthur Clarke Awards
- ↑ "Space School founder up for award", BBC News, 24 March 2006