Vulcan high school linking to International Space Station
Edmonton... Students from County Central High School in Vulcan will talk directly with astronauts on the International Space Station in September. The school was selected by Alberta Education and the Canadian Space Agency to host the video link for Canada’s latest space mission dubbed Expedition 20/21.
“Linking students and teachers to the space station is a unique learning opportunity that demonstrates how math and science are applied in practical ways,” said Education Minister Dave Hancock. “What a great way to engage students beyond the classroom and stimulate their curiosity about the universe.”
The video link will enable students to communicate in real time with the astronauts aboard the space station. Astronaut Dr. Robert Thirsk, the first Canadian to spend six months in space, will answer science and technology-related questions from participating students. This is Canada’s first space mission this year.
The school, within Palliser Regional Schools, was selected based on the capacity of the community to integrate technology, both in and outside the classroom, and to create learning opportunities for students.
“We are extremely excited to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our students and staff,” said Don Zech, School Board Chairman, Palliser Regional Schools. “Being selected by Alberta Education and now by the Canadian Space Agency as one of the jurisdictions in Canada to participate in an event with the International Space Station recognizes our district’s efforts to integrate technology tools into our classrooms.”
The province has a Memorandum of Understanding with the Canadian Space Agency that provides a framework for science and technology research, teaching and learning activities for Kindergarten to Grade 12 students and for pre-service teachers. The Canadian Space Agency’s educational programming also supports the government’s priority of increasing student participation and completion rates in math, science and technology.”
