Supporting Scotland's Space Industry
HELPING SCOTLAND’S CHILDREN REACH THE STARS
Glasgow Science Centre is helping to inspire the next generation of leaders, dreamers, and innovators in Scotland’s space industry.
Scotland’s space sector is taking off – generating billions of pounds to the UK economy, keeping Scotland at the forefront of ground-breaking research, and creating thousands of new, skilled jobs each year.
And it’s not just astronauts and astronomers that are in demand. Engineers, science communicators, and even space lawyers in Scotland are becoming increasingly sought after as the industry continues to grow and diversify.
This is where Glasgow Science Centre plays a unique but crucial role.
Thanks to funding from key industry partners from multiple sectors, Glasgow Science Centre is working with schools, teachers, and pupils from communities across Scotland to raise awareness of the benefits space has to society and help prepare future industry-leaders for a career that’s out of this world.
STEM LEARNING PATHWAYS
Glasgow Science Centre believes that science is for everyone and is committed to the delivery of its STEM Learning Pathways.
STEM Learning Pathways are unique programmes of sustained learning interventions that are developed alongside industry experts and educators, with the aim of raising awareness of opportunities in STEM available to young people.
With funding from UK Space Agency, Glasgow Science Centre has created a continuous programme of space themed learning - a Space Learning Pathway - for pupils throughout their school journey; one that is designed to inspire and encourage children from all backgrounds to pursue STEM education and careers within the Space industry.
The Space Learning Pathway engages with children of all ages through curriculum-linked Learning Labs for children aged 6 to 13 and a STEM Futures programme for pupils in upper Secondary School.
Commenting, Glasgow Science Centre's Board Trustee and founder of Clyde Space Ltd, Craig Clark MBE FREng FRSE said:
“Scotland has one of the fastest growing space sectors in the world, with more and more companies choosing to start their businesses in or move to Scotland. STEM business is well and truly booming.
“What we need is more young people coming through education and aspiring to work in STEM and space industries – whether that be as technicians, engineers, or scientists to support these new companies to grow.
“This is where Glasgow Science Centre plays such a vital role with its unique learning programmes that help to shape and inspire young minds to follow – results that are made possible with funding from the UK Space Agency and industry partners.”
LEARNING LAB
Created with input from scientists and engineers in the space industry and aligned with Scotland’s school curriculum, the Learning Lab: Scotland in Space gives teachers and pupils quality resources for space themed education.
The Learning Lab includes 8 weeks’ worth of lesson plans, worksheets and original video content on rocket launches, satellites and data gathering.
The programme also features live sessions with practicing scientists and engineers, professional learning session for teachers and an awe-inspiring visit to Glasgow Science Centre to consolidate what they’ve learned.
Funding from UK Space Agency has allowed for the Learning Lab: Scotland in Space programme to be rolled out to a further 1,500 secondary school children and their teachers, and for the development of new Learning Lab programmes for primary school pupils aged 6 – 8 and 9 – 11, which will be delivered free of charge to 3,000 primary school pupils and their teachers.
STEM FUTURES
For pupils aged 14 to 18, the STEM Futures programme focuses on connecting young people with STEM industries and solidifying their skillset and knowledge for continuing in STEM education or careers beyond school.
Funding from UK Space Agency has allowed the STEM Futures programme to engage 900 pupils in space-themed Innovation and Work Readiness workshops at Glasgow Science Centre – including workshops around space junk, telecoms, and aerospace engineering. Pupils develop skills for space careers and get 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, access to these workshops is free and help is given for transport to and from events so that science can truly be for everyone – not just those who can afford it.
MAKING LIFELONG CONNECTIONS
Not only does Glasgow Science Centre’s Learning Pathway initiative reach children inside their classrooms, but it also speaks to their school communities, families and wider community – including businesses and industries.
As well as teacher training and Learning Lab home activities, Glasgow Science Centre offers ‘drop-in’ space activities to families and community groups in the science centre- giving everyone the opportunity to engage with science, learn life skills and have fun with new experiences.
From Learning Lab to STEM Futures, and Glasgow Science Centre’s community outreach, these interventions are key to creating a society where STEM subjects and career pathways are visible and young people are supported through their STEM journey.
Commenting, Glasgow Science Centre’s Chief Executive Dr Stephen Breslin FRSE said:
“At Glasgow Science Centre we believe that the sky is not the limit when it comes to opportunities for Scotland’s young people – which is why we’re supporting Scotland’s space industry by giving young learners the chance to engage with STEM and space in new and exciting ways that spark their curiosity and hopefully a lifelong love of science and technology.
“Rather than just one lesson, our expert-led learning programmes give young people meaningful interactions with STEM and space education and multiple opportunities to engage with and build a positive relationship with science.
“There is much work still to be done when it comes to raising awareness of STEM opportunities, but the funding we receive from partners is vital in making sure we can make these key connections and reach as many young people as possible.”
THE CHALLENGES
Glasgow Science Centre doesn’t underestimate the challenges STEM industries face when it comes to securing future workforces.
It’s long been the case that STEM industries suffer from a lack of diversity, with fewer women, people from minority ethnic groups and lower socio-economic backgrounds going on to pursue careers in STEM.
Pair this with what young people view as a “hostile labour market” and a lack of awareness of the opportunities and jobs available with STEM sectors and you end up with a drought of people seeking careers in STEM industries, workforce gaps 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, created directly with STEM industries, local communities, and educators to create a holistic support network that gives young people opportunities to engage with science – and space – throughout their adolescence.
Recognising that isolated interventions are not enough; the Space Learning Pathway helps young people to build positive relationships with STEM subjects through programmes of sustained engagement that raise awareness of the opportunities that come with the growth of the space industry.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
Last year 7819 children across Scotland engaged with Glasgow Science Centre’s 8 week Learning Lab and STEM Futures learning materials, with over 2000 directly involved in its continuous Space programme- giving young people an invaluable front row seat to Scotland’s space industry and the vast number of opportunities it brings to Scotland.
But these crucial interventions would not be possible without valued funding from industry partners, like UK Space Agency, whose investments and collaboration help 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 evolving world, we need to ensure that future generations are inspired and equipped for 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 a reality.
For more information on Glasgow Science Centre’s learning programmes, or to find out how your organisation can get involved, get in touch with [email protected]
ENDS
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