Australian Virtual Astronaut (AVA) Challenge
Complete a 9 step STEM design sprint based on challenges facing NASA’s Artemis and the Australian space industry. AVA teams will choose from a set of five scenarios and design a solution presented in the form of either a 90-second video pitch or poster. A number of teams will then be selected to pitch their ideas at the Young Space Explorers event in December in Sydney!
Scenarios
- Earth Observation: Milo Institute – The University of Arizona
- Robotics: Trailblazer – The Australian Space Agency
- Home on the Moon: Aldrin Family Foundation
- Growing Food in Space: Magnitude.io
- AI in Space
Key Dates: February – December 2023
- Register at any time for the challenge.
- Mid-challenge webinar dates coming!
- Friday Nov 17, 2023: Submission date for poster or video
- Thursday, Nov 30, Finalists Announced
- Wednesday, 6 Dec 2023: Young Space Explorer event in Sydney where finalists pitch their ideas
Use this time & date converter for your location
Key Information to Teachers on Delivery
This program has been designed to be delivered flexibly. Therefore teachers can use as much or as little of the materials as they wish. It could be finished in a couple of lessons or over a number of weeks. FAQs
Register your class
Be quick to register and secure your young astronauts’ place in this exciting challenge. Teachers register to get your unique webinar link.
9 Missions, run at your own pace
The AVA schedule includes several 45 minute live streamed webinars (also recorded), with mission content on the AVA website to support teachers to deliver the program. A number of special events will also be made exclusively available to participants. There will also be a celebration event known as the Young Space Explorers held in Sydney Australia.
Who is the challenge for?
The challenge is ideal for students in Years 5 – 10 and specifically suited to students studying iSTEM, Science, Mandatory Technology, or primary science and technology classes. There are different entry levels for the challenge:
Stage 3 – Years 5 and 6
Stage 4 – Years 7 and 8
Stage 5 – Years 9 and 10 (Eligible for Phase 2)
