UAE schools start shaping 
next Mars explorers

Dubai - New courses and activities were rolled out in classes, aiming to foster a new generation of space enthusiasts, future academics, engineers and astronauts.

Inspired by the epic Hope Probe moment on February 9, several schools in the UAE have started their own ‘space mission’: To get students excited about exploring the galaxies when they grow up.

New courses and activities were rolled out in classes, aiming to foster a new generation of space enthusiasts, future academics, engineers and astronauts. There were new subjects, as well as competitions, webinars and science camps for kids.

“The reason we are focusing on astronomy and cosmology is because the UAE is in the forefront of space research...We intend to align our priorities with the nation’s initiatives. We also want our students to focus on sustainable development and drive the vision for a knowledge-based economy that the UAE is trying to promote,” said Rohan Roberts, director of innovation and future learning at GEMS Wellington Academy, Al Khail.

“We want to create a sense of awe and wonder about the cosmos in young children. Children are naturally curious about the universe and outer space. At the high school level, schools offer such astronomy programmes and we wanted to change that and help our students get a broader and scientific understanding of the universe and create a network of space enthusiasts.”

The school’s weekend course would also focus on bigger threats that humanity may face from outer space — like a comet or an asteroid impact or a gamma radiation burst — while answering deep existential questions.

“These are things that will wipe out all life on our planet. So it’s important to be aware of these existential threats. In the coming weeks we are looking at rocket propulsion systems, what is it like to live on the international space station, why do we build satellites, how to prepare to be an astronaut and why should we start colonising Mars and a deep dive into the UAE’s future in space,” Roberts said.

“Once the KHDA allows us, we intend taking out our telescopes to do star-gazing events, allowing the rest of the network to attend these events as well.”

Other schools are celebrating the success of the Mars mission with different projects related to astrophysics.