Primary and Secondary Education

The Science Academy of Lower Austria is a measure of the state of Lower Austria, Science and Research Department and is an extracurricular education program for curious and motivated young people from 14 years of age. Within the two-course these young people have direct contact with outstanding scientists and experts.

The SCI-AC SPACE program offers a captivating learning journey through the history, science, and future of space exploration. From the fundamentals of astrophysics and astronomy to rocket science, satellite technology, and orbital mechanics, students explore the physical and technical principles behind space travel.

The program also includes workshops on robotic missions, Earth observation, deep space exploration, and the challenges of living and working on the Moon or Mars. Additional topics include astronaut training, space psychology, emerging technologies, space architecture, and the ethical and legal aspects of life beyond Earth.

Through hands-on activities and creative workshops, students are encouraged to design their own space missions and envision humanity's role in the cosmos.

More information and application

More about what students have discovered so far

Participate in the international primary school competition Mission X held in 28 countries worldwide. For this purpose, NASA and ESA have developed a series of exercises and lessons that convey knowledge about space, sports and the importance of healthy food in daily life.

 However, there is so much more to space careers than training to become an astronaut!
Austria is determined to motivate the next generation of scientists, data experts and programmers, mechanics and engineers, mathematicians, designers and entrepreneurs with the ability to turn world-shaking ideas into reality.

The competition CanSat is for students aged 14 and above. The task of the participating teams is to build a satellite in beverage can size. Then a rocket transports your spacecraft to a height of several hundred meters and ejects it. During the descent back to the ground, the CanSat has to complete its missions.

As part of the ESA's education programme, Austria is home to the European Space Education Resources Office, ESERO based at Ars Electronica Center and funded by BMIMI (formerly BMK). Besides the above mentioned missions, ESERO Austria provides teaching materials and training programs for teachers seeking to encourage primary and secondary level students' awareness of and interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and related careers, particularly related to space activities (ESERO even has all you need to build your first rocket in the classroom). ESERO organises trainings for primary and secondary school teachers, in collaboration with national partners in STEM subject education. Teacher training events are officially accredited as part of ongoing professional development qualifications.

For any further information, don't hesitate to contact our ESERO Austria manager: esero@ars.electronica.art