The Space Cadets project organised three 11-week clubs for up to 15 local children (per club) in the 7-11 age group in Armagh, Northern Ireland. From 3:45pm-4:45pm every Tuesday, 1 hour sessions saw the cadets: accessing various buildings and sites across the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium grounds; watching 360-degree space shows; constructing models, equipment and using technology to carry out science/astronomy experiments. Children responded with enthusiasm to the varied programme, made friends, increased knowledge and developed new skills.
Activities
Cadets Conducted light experiments; made Space Lego Technic Orerries; Used Cobra astronomer technology; Used Scratch + Minecraft; Quizzed astronomers; Saw 360-degree Space dome shows; Built + launched rockets; Touched a large meteorite and learned how to identify one; Made a virtual Black hole; observed and recorded Sunspots; explored AOP’s Eco/Astro trail; visited a weather station; made a cup anemometer and more.
Outcomes
- In a survey taken in April 2023, 21% of the cadets said they were “somewhat interested in STEM subjects, 79% said they were “very” or “extremely interested in STEM subjects”. 93% claimed to enjoy learning about Space and astronomy, 7% “somewhat enjoy” same.
- Parent of a boy gave verbal feedback advising that she’d noticed a change in her son’s behaviour and learning patterns during SCC, he was “wanting to learn more about dinosaurs and see TV programs about them instead of just sitting on the ipad at home”.
- In the final week of the second SCC cadets expressed some dismay that the STEM club was ending and asked if there was a follow-up club I knew of that they could attend.
- The children all made new friends, from different schools and different backgrounds. The students coming back into us again for visits!