During the post-exam period, 41 F.3, F.4, and F.5 students, accompanied by 5 teachers, embarked on an unforgettable two-week adventure in the Houston Space Program, held in Texas, USA, from 7 July to 20 July 2024. This immersive educational experience focused on space exploration and aerospace engineering, providing a wide range of activities captivating the participants’ curiosity, creativity, and their skills in design and drawing. Throughout the program, our students showcased their talents and achieved remarkable success. They participated in a range of group activities and projects, sharing and presentations, collaborating in the seven “color” groups known as “companies.” These activities included designing mission patches and engaging in theme-based projects such as presentations, lunar habitat design, and more.
Each day, students began with energizing rituals such as the invigorating Morning Dance, followed by the Morning Quiz, where they shared insights from their previous day’s activities and set goals for the current day. “Theme of the Day” presentations inspired the students and reinforced the significance of successful space missions. These activities not only fostered their public speaking skills but also boosted their overall confidence.
Renowned space and engineering experts contributed to the program, delivering lectures and interacting with our students. They included Mr. James Liu, Dr. Olga Bannova, Dr. Leroy Chiao, Professor Tayfun E. Tezduyar, and Dr. Liz Warren. The students actively engaged with these speakers, eagerly learning valuable life lessons and gaining insight into the field of space exploration and aerospace engineering.
Visits and activities were paramount in broadening our students’ understanding of space exploration. Virtual reality technology allowed them to experience traveling to the International Space Station, while the International Centre for Space Architecture Workshop SPACE CHALLENGE allowed them to design innovative lunar emergency habitats. Additionally, the students were fascinated by the exhibits from the Houston Museum of Natural Science and the USS Lexington Museum.
In conclusion, the Houston Space Program 2024 ignited a passion for space exploration and aerospace engineering in our Paulinians. Through this immersive experience, the students gained invaluable knowledge and formed unforgettable memories that will undoubtedly shape their future endeavors.
