Posted by SASTA

on 22/10/2021

The CanSat project will give students practical experience in electronics, computer programming, remote sensing and data analysis.

This project introduces students to the Engineering Design Process, uses Project Based Leaning and allows students to integrate Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts/Design, and Mathematics (STEAM).

Students gain confidence, undertake project-based work, and collaborate in small groups. Students are supported, take risks, and celebrate their mistakes and triumphs.

The project is a one semester course undertaken as part of a student’s normal class time. However, you are encouraged to modify the program to suit your needs.

You might incorporate this in a unit of environmental science studying Australian bushfires. Or you might use it to study the atmosphere. Or to introduce students to computer programming. The possibilities are endless!

Students will design, build, test and launch CanSats. As the CanSat descends they will collect data, then analyse and interpret it.

Who can apply?

The CanSat project is available to all teachers in Australian schools, and can be completed outside of the classroom, in clubs/ lunchtime/ or as an afterschool activity. It is offered by the Victorian Space Science Education Center and has been funded by the Australian Space Agency.

What you get?

All essential materials will be sent to participating teachers, including:

  1. The complete CanSat chassis
  2. A microcontroller with sensors (temperature, pressure, humidity, light, orientation)
  3. A battery
  4. Plans and fabric for parachutes

Teaching materials will be provided with:

  1. Links to Australian Curriculum
  2. Lesson plans
  3. Presentation slides
  4. Extra-reading material

Optional launch instructions including on the use of drones, kites, dirigibles, water rockets, tall buildings etc. (Your school community may have access to some or all of these.)

When?

Kits will be available before the end of 2021. Plan this year to teach this next year.

To learn more, visit https://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/vssec-cansat/

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