Last year the Grade 6 class (currently Grade 7) had entered the Canadian Space Agency Junior Astronauts campaign to win a visit from an astronaut at Christ the King School. They had to be involved in at least one eligible activity or project to enter the contest. The class had taken part in the Let’s Talk Science’s Living Space Project where students coded micro bits that were then able to measure the temperature, humidity, and CO2 readings in the classroom and compare those readings to those on the International Space Station in real time. They also did an activity on communication in a simulation of a Mars rover maneuvering through hazards. Students had to make a video for each of these activities and submitted them to the CSA. We were one of 2 schools in Manitoba (there were at least 2 schools per province and territory) chosen to have an in-person visit last spring. Due to the pandemic it was postponed and changed to a virtual visit.
On February 24, 2021 we had the honour of having Canadian Space Agency Astronaut Joshua Kutryk visit virtually with our students. All students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8 were able to be part of the presentation and ask questions. We hope that his visit has inspired students to follow their dreams in STEM careers or otherwise. Perhaps some of them will visit the moon or beyond.
