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Teaching Primary Science: Human Spaceflight

Learn how to use the topic of human spaceflight to excite and engage your pupils across the primary science curriculum.

1,862 enrolled on this course

Teaching primary science: humans in space
The CPD Certification Service

This course has been certified by the CPD Certification Service as conforming to continuing professional development principles. Find out more.

Take your pupils into orbit by using space for primary science learning

From knowing the properties and uses of the materials required for an astronaut’s spacesuit to having an understanding of diet and exercise in order to keep an astronaut healthy–human spaceflight is a rich context for learning.

On this course, you will learn how keeping humans alive in space and how our view of the Earth from space can be linked to the primary curriculum.

You will discover a variety of topics in the primary science curriculum where you can use the theme of space to engage pupils, including in STEM subjects and cross-curricular links to numeracy and literacy.

During the course you’ll build a curriculum plan, using the activities and resources provided to consider where space could be used as a context for learning. Completion of this course can be used as evidence for the Space Education Quality Mark in the UK.

What topics will you cover?

Share ideas on how to use context to engage pupils. Get access to classroom resources and activities that develop practical skills and support working scientifically.

  • exercise and healthy eating
  • properties and uses of materials
  • light
  • further cross curricular opportunities, including geography, literacy, maths
  • careers in STEM and in particular the space industry

Who is this accredited by?

The CPD Certification Service
The CPD Certification Service:

The CPD Certification Service was established in 1996 and is the leading independent CPD accreditation institution operating across industry sectors to complement the CPD policies of professional and academic bodies.

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Identify opportunities across the curriculum to use space as a context for learning.
  • Engage children in practical activities using the context of human spaceflight.
  • Design lessons that show science in an applied context.
  • Identify careers that link in to the space industry.
  • Contribute to shared resources that use space as a context.

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for primary school teachers of pupils aged 7-11 years old.

Who will you learn with?

ESERO-UK Teacher Fellow, working for STEM Learning, York. Using the context of space to inspire STEM teaching and learning. Teacher of physics, satellite engineer, father of two.

I spent 10 years working as a primary classroom teacher, 7 as a science subject leader. I've also supported schools as a leading science teacher before joining STEM learning as a primary specialist.

Who developed the course?

National STEM Learning Centre

The National STEM Learning Centre provides world-class professional development activities and resources to support the teaching of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects.

ESERO UK

ESERO-UK, also known as the UK space education office, provides free resources, support and information for teachers to enhance the teaching and learning of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) using space as a context.

What's included?

This is a premium course. These courses are designed for professionals from specific industries looking to learn with a smaller group of like-minded individuals.

  • Unlimited access to this course
  • Includes any articles, videos, peer reviews and quizzes
  • Certificate of Achievement to prove your success when you're eligible
  • Download and print your Certificate of Achievement anytime

Still want to know more? Check out our FAQs

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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