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the ruyton reporter
Space Camp
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
(STEM) are crucial fields when it comes to driving
innovation. Three-quarters of the fastest growing
occupations require significant mathematics or science
preparation. At Ruyton we are constantly researching and
implementing initiatives to provide our students with the
skills and knowledge that will allow them confidently to
enter these occupations. One such initiative was the
opportunity for students to attend the Space Camp STEM
Tour in the September holidays, 2015. The five-night
programme at the Advanced Space Academy at the US
Space and Rocket Centre in Huntsville, Alabama enabled
students to participate in hands-on drills and also to learn
about the mental and physical demands for astronauts,
engineers and technologists.
Missions provided the students with the opportunity to
improve teamwork, leadership and decision making skills.
Specialist workshops included Space Suit Theory and
Design, Space Physiology, Scuba Space Walk Training,
Aeronautic Design, Jet Aircraft Simulations, Orbital
Mechanics, Jet Propulsion, Wilderness Survival and Living
in Space. The group then travelled to Washington DC to
explore the Smithsonian Natural History Museum and
other significant sites. The final destination of the Tour
was Orlando, Florida. The Kennedy Space Centre allowed
students to see the relevance of the skills and knowledge
they had acquired during the Advanced Space Academy
Programme and also how they had been utilised in the
American Space Programme. Lunch with an Astronaut
provided a fascinating insight into the career of a true
Space Scientist. The girls returned to Australia equipped
with a new appreciation of the importance and
application of STEM in so many areas of life, both
now and into the future.
Mrs Susan Fryer,
Dean of Science
Attending Space Camp 2015 was a wonderful
opportunity to learn about the science involved
in sending people into space. The Advanced Space
Academy had a range of special activities for us to learn
about the Physics, Biology and Chemistry involved in
all aspects of space flight. Scuba diving was a great
way to understand the microgravity that astronauts
experience in space. Rides, such as the Space Shot
and Gravitron, gave us an idea of the forces with which
astronauts are confronted when being launched into
space. By using the 1/6 Gravity Chair attached to
springs on the roof, we were able to simulate
movement on the moon. We learnt that a side-
jumping motion was more effective for getting
from point A to point B.
The Multi-Axis Trainer was a small chair rotating on
three axes, to demonstrate the pitch, roll and yaw of
the space craft when it is in space. These three axes
rotated in random directions, switching paths
simultaneously at rapid speeds. We expected to feel
sick during this experience, but, in fact, once in the
chair, the centre of gravity was at the stomach.
Simulators were part of our required training at Space
Camp. These were usually part of our missions, as we
took on roles as members of Mission Control, or were
assigned to the crew on board The Orbiter or The
International Space Station (ISS.) We each had specific
roles, as in true space flight. Members of Mission
Control had the responsibility to ensure that the
astronauts in the Orbiter and ISS were able to take
off and land safely and follow required procedures
accurately. Extra vehicular activities were carried out
whilst we were fully dressed in space suits, conducting
repairs to the spacecraft. We had a number of practice
missions leading up to our final mission, which served
as our ‘exam’ to graduate from Space Camp. In the final
three-hour mission numerous challenges and
unexpected events occurred and we were required
to solve the problems to ensure the survival of all and
return safely to Earth. This was very challenging but it
provided us with an appreciation of what can actually
occur during space travel. It certainly improved our
problem-solving skills.
We also made fuel cells, designed protective suits and
ablative heat shields, designed and built rockets and
experienced many other challenges. One of most
exciting experiences at Space Camp was looking
through a telescope on a clear night to view Saturn
and its rings.
I am so thankful as a Ruyton Student to have had
the opportunity to travel to the other side of the world
with students and teachers and to be submerged in
the rich culture of technology and science behind
the scenes at the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA) Centre.
Meg Richards,
Year 11 (2015)
Student reflections on the new
Margaret McRae Centre
The orientation of the new rooms means you can
use them in multiple ways and allows for a more
inclusive environment.
The labs are full of great instruments we are able
to use in class.
The glass whiteboards and the TV screens are
really cool.
There are more opportunities to learn together
– it’s good for learning in groups.
I think the building is good because there are lots
of classrooms and open learning areas.
The layout of the tables and multiple screens/
whiteboards in the labs makes it feel like the whole
class is working together and it is easier to see the
boards. It makes me stay more focused in class and
I can become more confident in participating.
The round tables encourage discussion.
The teachers don’t have a big desk, which means
they can walk around and help us better.
There is a more learning-orientated vibe in the new
science labs and this makes me feel more organised
and focused.
Nurturing curiosity and creativity