How Do You Eat in Space?

How do you help inspire the next generation of astronauts and rocket scientists? In Prof. Vicky McArthur’s course “Edutainment: Immersive Learning,” students design educational games about the International Space Station for elementary-school aged learners.

Students – from both iSchool and UTM’s Institute of Communication, Culture, Information and Technology – first research the International Space Station as a class. Then they work in groups to create prototypes of educational games – either video games or interactive demos. Some highlight the personal aspects of space travel, such as the logistics of dining in space, while others explore the physical layout and functions of the ISS or teach learners about related STEM careers.

McArthur, who consulted with the Canadian Space Agency, as well as the Canadian Aviation and Space Museum, about the course, says, “The goal is to have a prototype that not only teaches about the space station, but is also designed with good learning principles of interactive multimedia.”