Kids in Space: NT schools exchange ideas, innovations amid STEM frenzy
A space-themed event has given students an opportunity to share their bright ideas in how to pioneer further into space, with one school awarded the chance to represent the NT abroad. SEE THE PICTURES.
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A space-themed education event has left students hungry for knowledge after some of the Territory’s brightest young minds gathered to share their ideas on how to improve all things science and technology.
On Tuesday, 10 schools were represented at the Kids in Space event in Darwin, in which almost 100 students enjoyed sharing knowledge gained through months of learning.
Sponsored by the Andy Thomas Space Foundation, more than a dozen stalls were packed with ideas, with students presenting their thoughts and visions of how to pioneer further into space.
The event was not without competition, however, with judges determining who the NT winner would be.
The participating schools came from far and wide, with Rosebery Primary School, Angurugu School, Haileybury Rendall School, Jingili Primary School, Middle Point School, Wagaman Primary School, Malak Primary School, The Essington School, Driver Primary School, and Manunda Terrace Primary School all bringing their best to win the top prize.
Andy Thomas Space Foundation executive director Peter Nikoloff said he was “excited” by the enthusiastic turnout and said young Territorians could forge a career in the space industry.
“There is lots of opportunities for problem solvers across Australia,” he said.
“ … There’s so many good jobs for the next generation in space.”
For the small group of Angurugu School students, the long haul from Groote Eylandt was worth the trip, with their bright presentation awarded the Peer Prize - as voted by the attending students.
The Territory winner was awarded to a group of excited Wagaman Primary School students, who will now turn their attention to the national finals in Adelaide.
WPS enters the finals with the NT having already left its mark on the scene, with Gunbalanya School a joint winner of the 2023 event.
In attendance was former Chief Minister Natasha Fyles, who congratulated students and teachers alike for the “amazing” projects on display.
“All of you have worked incredibly hard and have thought in a lot of detail in how you would come up with the idea and how you would produce it,” she said.
Nationwide, more than 115 schools have participated in the event, with 49 per cent located in regional, rural or remote areas.
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