L2 - Space Education and Outreach

Question 1

Describe the main characteristics of space education.

Answer 1

• Education is the means/process by which a group of people seek to change the worldview of another group.
• Education provides experiences that affect the way a person thinks/acts/feels.
• In formal education this focuses primarily on knowledge and skills.
• In informal education this may also extend to ideas and values.
• Clearly, space education is education related to space.
• In principle, the term ‘space education’ could be applied to the following:
– Education delivered using space assets, e.g. via satellite.

– Education about space.

Question 2

Describe the main characteristics of space outreach.

Answer 2

• Outreach is connected with education of the general public, but is not identical.
• Generally, outreach is an organization/group’s involvement with, activity in, or influence amongst a larger community.
• The main difference between outreach and education is that outreach has a proactive outward focus.
• This means that the purpose of outreach is to engage with people who would not otherwise be aware of a group and its activities.

Question 3

What is ISEB?

Answer 3

The International Space Education Board (ISEB) was set up in 2005. Members are CNES, CSA, ESA, JAXA, KARI, NASA, SANSA, and VSSEC.

Question 4

Aims of ISEB?

Answer 4

• Increase science, technology, engineering and mathematics literacy achievement in connection with space.
• Support the future workforce needs of space programs.

Question 5

ISEB Activities?

Answer 5

• Promotion of GENSO network.
• Sponsoring of students to attend conferences/congresses, e.g. COSPAR and IAC.
• Opportunities for ISEB‐partner students to attend NASA Academy.
• NASA/ESA Delta Research Schools (2005‐2010).

Question 6

What is IAF‐SEOC?

Answer 6

The International Astronautical Federation is a worldwide federation of organisations active in space. The IAF has more than 200 members from around the world including all major space agencies, companies, societies and institutions.

The IAF has 23 technical committees which are active in different areas and which run symposia at the annual International Astronautical Congress. One of these technical committees is the Space Education and Outreach Committee (IAF‐SEOC). IAF‐SEOC has two sub‐committees:

• Student Activities Subcommittee.
• Global Workforce Development Subcommittee.

Question 7

Aim of IAF‐SEOC?

Answer 7

Aim: ‘A space‐faring world co‐operating for the benefit of humanity’.

Question 8

What is the World Space Week?

Answer 8

World Space Week (WSW) has been established by the United Nations to “To celebrate each year at the international level the contributions of space science and technology to the betterment of the human condition.”

WSW runs from 4‐10 October each year.
• 4 October ‐ launch of Sputnik 1 in 1957.
• 10 October ‐ signing of the Outer Space Treaty in 1967.

WSW promoted globally by World Space Week Association.

Question 9

What is Yuri’s Night?

Answer 9

Yuri’s Night is a global celebration of the anniversary of Yuri Gagarin’s flight. Started in 2001 (by three ISU alums!). Anyone can organise a YN event. The global nature attracts media attention.

Question 10

Outline some non‐traditional approaches to space education and outreach.

Answer 10

One of the challenges to space outreach is to connect with people who might normally avoid space. This often means developing or using a ‘non‐scitech’ approach, e.g.:
• Media
• Drama
• Comedy
• Art