Alberta students speak to astronauts aboard the International Space Station
Enhanced learning experience prepares students for careers of the future
Vulcan...Students from Palliser Regional Schools gathered in Vulcan to ask Canadian astronaut Dr. Robert Thirsk a series of science and technology-related questions in real time at a special downlink event with the International Space Station. Thanks to Alberta’s SuperNet, students across the province can also watch this historic event, live through a webcast on: www.LearnAlberta.ca.
“Technology allows educators to provide enriching learning experiences that go well beyond the four walls of the classroom,” said Dave Hancock, Minister of Education. “Palliser Regional Schools has demonstrated tremendous leadership in creating unique learning opportunities for its students through its use of technology in and outside the classroom. Today’s event speaks to the collaboration between government, community and private enterprise and to the quality of Alberta’s education system – our ability to be forward-thinking and innovative.”
The school division has been successful at infusing technology, such as videoconferencing, into its instructional programming and ensuring all students and teachers are well-versed in computer technology and literacy. The school also maintains a Wide Area Network to ensure interconnectivity between its schools.
As a result, Alberta Education and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) selected County Central School in Vulcan to host the downlink event on behalf of Palliser Regional Schools. Students and teachers in schools from across the district were selected to participate in the downlink event.
“I think this is a really cool experience. Getting to talk to an astronaut in space and finding out what actually happens up there is so neat,” said Jadeen Howe, a Grade 12 student at County Central School. “Getting to ask a question that I've been curious about and get an answer from a guy that would actually know is cool. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I'm nervous about it. But at the same time I'm extremely excited!”
Teacher preparation for the downlink event began in May. The CSA provided professional development seminars to teachers in Palliser via videoconference, and teachers participated in a series of simulations and exercises to mimic some of the conditions astronauts might experience while working in space. This teacher training provided the context to help students develop their questions for the astronauts.
Mike Surmik, a teacher at Arrowwood School who participated in the CSA teacher training, said, “The professional development opportunity was very timely and informative. Material was thought-provoking and allowed my students to be engaged in activities that challenged them to think not just about the science, but about our role in space.”
The satellite hook-up and additional technical assistance that enabled the students to speak to astronauts aboard the International Space Station in real-time was provided by Shaw Communications Inc. as a community partner providing in-kind assistance for this historic event.
“At Shaw, we believe that education is the key to success and are committed to supporting a variety of education initiatives in the communities in which we live and work,” said Peter Bissonnette, President, Shaw Communications Inc. “We are proud to partner with a group of organizations who exhibit such passion and dedication to providing enriching learning experiences through the unique use of technology in schools.”
Alberta is seen nationally and internationally as a leader for integrating new technologies into the educational system. The downlink event is an example of some of the innovative learning approaches that are being used in Alberta’s classrooms to help students succeed in school.
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. For more information about technology initiatives in Alberta schools, visit /admin/technology.aspx.
