From 09 – 14 Jan 2017 we hosted the Galileo Teacher Training program with the “Beyond Earth Orbit: Solar System Exploration and spacesuits” course. Teachers from Italy, Belgium and Germany joined us for 6 days at the OeWF Spacesuit Laboratory to learn about state-of-the art science on solar system exploration and how to implement space topics into daily teaching.

Teacher training: Our teachers had fun as well.

A special focus was set on human spaceflight, future human Mars missions and Mars analog research. Therefore, the teachers also learned about the planetology of Mars, what is Mars analog research and what does it do in the classroom. With hands-on activities like driving a rover mock-up, elements from analog astronaut training and a live link to the ReMY – the Remote Mars Yard and man more the teachers got a good overview how space science can be inspiring to their students.

Teacher Training: Live link to ReMY in Poland

Teacher Training: ReMY live link

Teacher Training: Rover mock-up and analog astronauts gloves

One of the highlights was that the teacher got a demonstration of our Aouda.X spacesuit simulator, which is currently Europe’s only Mars exploration spacesuit simulator.

Teacher Training: Live demonstration of Europe’s only Mars spacesuit simulator

On the last day, the teachers had a final challenge: Apply their learned know-how and techniques to a group of real students between 11 – 15 years old.

Teacher training: Final preparations for the final challenge

As you can see on the photos both teachers and students enjoyed the activities. We heard from some of the parents, that their children now want to become space architect or astrobiologist. :-)

Teacher training: Baking a comet with students

Teacher training: Children spacesuit as student activity

Teacher training: Inspire the students

Mission accomplished! We are looking forward to many future explorers and scientists, who will get inspired by our newly trained teachers.