Glasgow Science Centre inspires the next generation of leaders, dreamers and innovators in Scotland’s space industry.
Scotland’s space sector is growing and generating billions of pounds for the UK economy. Scotland continues to be at the forefront of cutting-edge research and thousands of new, specialist jobs are being created every year.
And it’s not just astronauts and astronomers who are in demand. Engineers, science communicators and even space advocates in Scotland are becoming increasingly sought after as the industry continues to grow and diversify.
The Glasgow Science Centre plays a unique but crucial role in this.
With funding from key industry partners across a range of sectors, Glasgow Science Centre is working with schools, teachers and students from communities across Scotland to raise awareness of the benefits of space travel to society and prepare future industry leaders for careers that go beyond the realm of space.
(Image: PAUL WATT)
STEM LEARNING PATHS
Glasgow Science Centre believes that science is for everyone and is committed to providing STEM learning pathways.
STEM Learning Pathways are unique programs with sustainable learning interventions that are developed together with experts from the business community and teachers. The aim is to make young people aware of the possibilities that STEM offers.
With funding from the UK Space Agency, Glasgow Science Centre has set up an ongoing space-themed programme – a Space Learning Pathway – for pupils throughout their school years. The programme is designed to inspire and encourage children from all backgrounds to pursue STEM degrees and careers in the space industry.
The Space Learning Pathway reaches children of all ages through curriculum-based learning labs for ages 6-13 and a STEM Futures program for upper secondary students.
Craig Clark MBE FREng FRSE, Director of the Glasgow Science Centre and Founder of Clyde Space Ltd, said:
“Scotland has one of the fastest growing space sectors in the world, with more and more companies choosing to start their business in Scotland or relocate to Scotland. STEM businesses are truly booming.
“What we need are more young people training and aspiring to work in the STEM and aerospace industries – whether as technicians, engineers or scientists – to support these new businesses as they grow.
“This is where the Glasgow Science Centre plays such a vital role with its unique learning programmes that help shape and inspire young minds to pursue achievements made possible with funding from the UK Space Agency and industry partners.”
LEARNING LAB
Developed with input from scientists and engineers from the space industry and aligned with the Scottish school curriculum, the Learning Lab: Scotland in Space provides teachers and students with high-quality space education resources.
The Learning Lab includes 8 weeks of lesson plans, worksheets, and original video content about rocket launches, satellites, and data collection.
The programme also includes live sessions with scientists and engineers, professional learning sessions for teachers and an immersive visit to the Glasgow Science Centre to consolidate the knowledge gained.
Funding from the UK Space Agency has enabled the Learning Lab: Scotland in Space programme to be expanded to include a further 1,500 secondary school pupils and their teachers. It has also enabled the development of new Learning Lab programmes for primary school pupils aged 6-8 and 9-11. These programmes are being offered free of charge to 3,000 primary school pupils and their teachers.
(Image: PAUL WATT)
VOTE FUTURE
For students aged 14 to 18, the STEM Futures programme focuses on connecting young people with STEM industries and strengthening their skills and knowledge for further STEM education or careers after school.
Funding from the UK Space Agency has enabled the STEM Futures programme to engage 900 students in innovation and work readiness workshops at Glasgow Science Centre, with space-themed workshops including space debris, telecoms and aerospace engineering. Students will develop skills for careers in space and gain first-hand experience of working in STEM by meeting industry professionals including scientists and engineers.
With a focus on equity and breaking down barriers in STEM education, these workshops are free to attend and assistance is provided with transportation to and from events, so that science can truly be accessible to everyone – not just those who can afford it.
MAKING LIFETIME CONNECTIONS
Glasgow Science Centre’s Learning Pathway initiative not only reaches children in their classrooms, but also engages with school communities, families and the wider community, including businesses and industries.
In addition to teacher training and home-based Learning Lab activities, Glasgow Science Centre also offers drop-in activities for families and community groups, giving everyone the chance to engage with science, learn life skills and enjoy new experiences.
From Learning Lab to STEM Futures and the community engagement of the Glasgow Science Centre, these interventions are essential to creating a society where STEM subjects and career opportunities are visible and where young people are supported on their STEM journey.
Dr Stephen Breslin FRSE, Chief Executive of the Glasgow Science Centre, said:
“At Glasgow Science Centre we believe that the possibilities for Scotland’s young people are endless. That’s why we support Scotland’s space industry by giving young students the chance to engage with STEM and space in new and exciting ways, sparking their curiosity and hopefully a lifelong love of science and technology.
“Instead of just one lesson, our expert-led learning programs provide young people with meaningful interactions with STEM and space education and multiple opportunities to engage with science and build a positive relationship with science.
“There is still much work to be done when it comes to raising awareness of STEM opportunities, but the funding we receive from partners is vital to ensure we can make these important connections and reach as many young people as possible.”
THE CHALLENGES
Glasgow Science Centre does not underestimate the challenges facing STEM sectors when it comes to securing a future workforce.
STEM sectors have long suffered from a lack of diversity, with fewer women, people from ethnic minorities and people from lower socio-economic backgrounds pursuing a career in STEM.
Combine this with what young people see as a ‘hostile labour market’ and a lack of awareness of the opportunities and jobs available in STEM sectors and you get a shortage of people looking for careers in STEM industries, staff shortages and a lack of interest in what should be inspiring and exciting roles.
However, Glasgow Science Centre is helping to address these challenges through its Space Learning Pathway programme, which has been created directly with STEM industries, local communities and educators to create a holistic support network that provides young people with opportunities to engage with science – and space – throughout their adolescence.
Recognising that isolated interventions are not enough, the Space Learning Pathway helps young people build positive relationships with STEM subjects through sustained engagement programmes that raise awareness of the opportunities presented by growing the space industry.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
Last year, 7,819 children across Scotland took part in Glasgow Science Centre’s 8-week Learning Lab and STEM Futures learning resources. Over 2,000 children were directly involved in the ongoing space programme, giving young people a valuable insight into Scotland’s space industry and the many opportunities it offers Scotland.
But these vital interventions would not be possible without the valuable funding of industry partners, such as the UK Space Agency, whose investment and collaboration is helping the Glasgow Science Centre reach young people across Scotland – in every local authority and from all backgrounds.
And this is just the beginning.
In a rapidly changing world, we must ensure that future generations are inspired and equipped to meet the demands of new and emerging industries. This requires strategic collaboration between industry, governments and educators at every level, who are best placed to deliver the real and sustained change needed to support STEM industries for the future.
Glasgow Science Centre has the vision and with the help of industry partners and government action it can turn that vision into reality.
For more information about Glasgow Science Centre’s learning programmes or to find out how your organisation can get involved, please contact learninglab@gsc.org.uk