It’s a dream come true for four secondary school students and a teacher who have been selected by the Royal Society Te Apārangi to attend the USA Space Camp in Huntsville Alabama in July.
International Space Camp (ISC) brings together educators and students from thirty five countries around the world who will meet with like-minded students and teachers who have a passion for space travel and astronomy.
The students will be immersed in a programme that is designed to promote space science and exploration where they will be challenged both academically and physically through extended-duration missions and experiencing microgravity in the Underwater Astronaut Trainer. Activities will include hands-on astronaut training, as well as learning about the mental, emotional and physical demands astronauts must face.
A separate programme is organised for the educators that includes authentic astronaut training simulators and activities developed to promote learning in a classroom setting.
After Space Camp has finished, the group will depart for Houston where they will stay for three days and visit some of the sights including the Houston Space Centre and the Natural History Museum.
The Talented School Students Travel Award, managed by Royal Society Te Apārangi and funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, will fund 70% of the student’s travel and registration costs. This Fund supports passionate science students to attend international science or technology events.
Those selected to attend are:
Anushka Kharbanda, Westlake Girls High School, North Shore, Auckland
Mihnea Vlad, Napier Boys’ High School, Napier
Jack Nelson, Trident High School, Whakatane
Aayushi Verma, Christchurch Girls’ High School
Mr Nick Williams (teacher), Napier Boys’ High School
Press release courtesy of the Royal Society of New Zealand
