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Australian International Space School (AISS)

The Australian International Space School was established in 1992 as the first Space education program in Australia.  It is a five day residential Space Science School specifically designed for students aged sixteen and seventeen who have demonstrated a keen interest and aptitude for Spaces Science related subjects, and is held annually in different States throughout Australia.



















 










AISS Aims

  • To provide an opportunity for young Australians to share their interests in Space Science.

  • To stimulate the interest of young Australian to pursue a career in the many fields of Space Science.

  • To enable Australian students to interact with International delegates with similar interests.

  • To expand the professional skills of educators in the fields of Space Science.

  • To assist in the development of State and Territory Space Schools.

AISS Program

AISS provides a high quality, rigorous educational program for attending students, which highlights Australia’s role in space science & technology, main topics in the program includes, astronomy, satellite and remote sensing, technology and Australia’s role in space development.

AISS is a fully residential space program with activities being held at institutions. Museums, observatories and space industry organizations.

AISS accepts up to 100 students each year including a number of international students and teachers.  Students are selected from applications submitted.

Those selected represent the elite of Australia’s secondary school science students.

To date AISS has hosted delegations from United Kingdom, USA, Russia, Belgium, Germany, Brazil, China, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Ukraine and Hungary.

AISS also hosted the 1996 Young Astronauts International Conference, with over 300 students representing many countries in attendance, and was held in Sydney.

Each year AISS invites an NASA Astronaut to attend its school programs, past Astronauts include, Mission specialist Dr Paul Scully-Power, the first Australian in space, Shuttle Pilot Major Pamela Melroy, Commander John Young, Australian born Andy Thomas, also Dr Scott Parazynski and geologist Jim Reilly.

AISS LEADING THE WAY IN SPACE SCIENCE EDUCATION
 

AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL SPACE SCHOOL 2011
January 21st to 24th
New College
University of New South Wales
 Anzac Parade, Kensington
, Sydney, Australia
 

Secondary school students entering years 10 -11 in 2011 from around Australia and overseas are invited to apply for selection in this prestigious nationwide Space Science School.

Up to 100 students will take part in exciting learning activities including Lectures, workshops and excursions. The school also features scientists, engineers and Australian experts in space science education, as well as special overseas guest presenters.

The AISS is a 4 day hands on residential school conducting lessons and associated activities that cover a range of space sciences such as space travel, astronomy, rocketry, astrobiology, meteorite impacts, lunar and Martian geology.

Awards number of major Achievement Awards will presented to those students who show future leadership qualities during the school.

AISS 2011 will see the 19th running of its space school and will incorporate a number of anniversary celebrations, including past student and teacher reunion activities.

Students who attend AISS will automatically become eligible to be selected to attend the Space Centre Houston Engineering School during 2011. 

AISS is organised by a team of volunteers with extensive backgrounds in space science activities and educational programs.

The Team

School Principal: Jeanette Rothapfel

* Recipient of an honorary Doctor of Education degree, Australian Space Pioneer Award, National BHP Billiton Science Award for Teachers (Secondary), NSW Minister of Education & Australian College of Education Quality Teaching Award & NSW Minister of Education Award for Excellence in Teaching.
* Founder of the NSW School of space science
* Principal of the Australian International Space School for seven years
* Conducted research in Astromaterials and Exploration Science at JSC
* First teacher outside the USA to be entrusted with moon rock samples
* YASSA Teacher of the Year 2005
* Author of space science teacher resources including the National Science Teacher’s Association resource book "Out of This World Investigating Space".

Education advisor: Mike Roach

* Recipient of the CSR fellowship Award
* SATA Award for Outstanding Contribution to Science Education
* South Australian Premiers Award for Excellence in Science Teaching
* Sir Winston Churchill Fellowship Award
*
Australian Prime Ministers Award for Excellence in Science Education

Resident engineer: Mike Petkovic

Mike is a senior engineer in the aerospace sector with a wealth of engineering experience gained over two decades of involvement with the Australian and European space industries, specializing in fields of assembly, his achievements in this area include.

* The Endeavour Telescope (STS-42 & STS-67
* Infrared and visible focal lanes arrays for the ATSR2 (ERS2) & Envisat
*
Instrument EAS earth observation missions
* Fedsat Australian demonic satellite

Astronomical Educator: Jeff Stanger

* Leading Australian astronomy educator with positions at 2 observatories
* Experienced secondary science teacher
* Honorary Associate, SUPER group, School of Physics, University of Sydney
* Astronomical Society of Australia committee member for education and public outreach
* Co
-author of HSC Physics textbook in2 Physics @ HSC
* Councillor of the Science Teachers Association of New South Wales

Program Coordinator: Vanessa Robson

A well reconised and respected event coordinator, having successfully managed Space Science School events for the past 17 years
Email: nosbor1@optusnet.com.au

Youth Leaders: Anthony Webb, Brigitte Garozzo and James Willcox

Our Youth Leaders have demonstrated their outstanding leadership abilities during their attendances at various space schools both national and international, Anthony, Brigette and James also were the recipients of major team leadership awards during their participations in the Johnson Space Centre/Space Centre Houston USA engineering course/s.

AISS 2011 Application Form

Application Information:

Cost of the AISS: $470

Cost includes: Accommodation, Meals, Local transport, Workshop materials, Lectures, Graduation Dinner, Graduation Certificate, Admission to outside activities and AISS shirt.

 

 

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