What is the Aurora Inclusion Initiative?
Following a successful 2022 pilot and 2023 program, Makers Empire is again partnering with the Andy Thomas Space Foundation (ATSF) to deliver the Aurora Program, which is part of the ATSF’s Inclusion Initiative.
The Aurora Program offers engaging and accessible space education opportunities designed specifically for students and young people living with a disability.
This program is now accepting registrations of interest from South Australian schools interested in participating in this year’s program for 8+ schools, planned to take place in term 3-4, 2024.
What is the Eligibility Criteria?
- Schools with students recognised to be living with disabilities or identified factors of educational disadvantage (see below).
- Special schools, alternative education facilities, and schools with disability units.
- School groups with significant representation of students and young people living with Autism Spectrum Disorder are given priority during the selection process.
- Students and young people aged from 13 to 25 years that have disabilities or identified factors of educational disadvantage. This includes Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, ADHD, mental health conditions, and other learning disabilities.
What Do Schools Receive?
Schools selected for the Aurora Inclusion Initiative will receive a $6,500 package including:
- 1 x 12 months Makers Empire School Subscription (3D design software, teacher dashboard, 130 curriculum-aligned lesson plans, built-in assessment, online professional development, ongoing support, updates and maintenance).
- 1 x 3D printer, 3 rolls of PLA filament, training and ongoing support.
- A private, accessible school visit to the Australian Space Discovery Centre (ASDC) exclusive of other school groups or members of the public in attendance. The sessions include a session led by Makers Empire, a session led by the centre’s Space Communicators, time to explore the galleries and take photographs, guided by the Space Communicators, and viewing of the Jarli film.
- A 3D design and printing workshop at each school, including tailored to its needs including an introduction to Makers Empire’s 3D modelling software; learning to design space-themed models; students creating 3D designs in response to the Aurora Mission and using the photographs taken at the Australian Space Discovery Centre for inspiration; an introduction to 3D printing; 3D printer training including installation, operation, & troubleshooting.
What Do Schools Commit To?
Each participating school will:
- Provide release for 1.5 day for 2-5 participating classroom teachers (not IT technicians or non-teaching staff).
- Support capacity building of teachers through facilitation of ‘flow-on’ professional learning at their sites.
- Arrange transport to and from the Australian Space Discovery Centre (ASDC) for their participating students and staff.
- Attend the launch event at the Australian Space Discovery Centre on July 9 or 10 after school
- Attend a private visit to the Australian Space Discovery Centre between July 22 – August 2.
- Attend a custom 3D printing workshop at your school between August 12 – August 23.
- Support the students to complete a space-themed Design Thinking mission:
1) To get to space I will need…
2) When I get to space, I will need… - Participate in data collection and share their experiences with others.
Feedback from Teachers in the Pilot Program
Register Your School's Interest Now
Eligible South Australian schools (see eligibility criteria above) are invited to submit an expression of interest to participate in this year’s program planned for term 3 and 4, 2024.
If you have any questions about this program or would like to speak to someone please indicate this on this form.
The deadline for expressions of interest closes 30 May, 2024.
