SPACE EDUCATION BOOKS
For Educators and Enthusiasts
In the next decade, humans plan to establish a permanent presence on the moon, launch several commercial space stations, and make a first trip to Mars. The global space economy is growing rapidly, and many industries will be transformed in the next ten years by space technologies…
How might we best prepare today’s students for humanity’s rapidly approaching multi-planet future?
In this book, Mark Wagner, Ph.D. explores answers to this question, based on foundations of effective teaching and learning - and effective educational technology. The book also looks even further ahead to consider how we might best educate students once civilian communities are in place on the Moon, Mars, and elsewhere in the rest of the solar system. The final part of the book includes a more philosophical consideration of ethics, sustainability, and governance.
“Mark’s recommendations will undoubtedly improve education right here and right now. This book will also surely be read many years in the future—and on more than one planet..”
Frank White, Author of The Overview Effect: Space Exploration and Human Evolution
“This forward thinking book provides solutions to the challenges facing space educators as we approach the next phase of exploration on the Moon, Mars, and in deep space. Dr. Wagner's vision also inspires science teachers to prepare the next generation of students for jobs in space that do not yet exist.”
Dr. Lesley Anderson, Teacher, Researcher, & Einstein Fellow
“Years of solo wilderness expeditions taught me that you never fully know what the future is holding. But not knowing doesn't mean you can't plan… by developing the skills and attitudes to manage the unexpected and turn every challenge into an opportunity for growth. In Mark's book, you will discover answers to questions you don't have yet, and how to build a future you want.”
Daniel Fox, Founder of Space 100.10 and The Future of Space
“Millions of people from around the world want to go into orbit to have a life-changing experience, and the global space industry is expected to generate revenue of more than $1 trillion in 2040. We need a plan to educate students for this reality, and Dr. Wagner’s approach will guide a generation of students towards a wide range of exciting careers.”
John Spencer, Outer Space Architect, Founder of the Space Tourism Society
For Teachers and Students
This Space Education curriculum is produced by the Space Prize Foundation, which is dedicated to preparing students for the growing space economy and for humanity's rapidly approaching multi-planet future. The eight chapters here cover not only an introduction to space science and the history of space exploration, but also why space matters to people on Earth, what is happening in the new space economy, and longer-term philosophical concerns such as ethics, governance, and sustainability throughout the solar system and beyond.
This Flexbook is hosted as an open education resource available to students and teachers everywhere on CK12.org. It is meant as a 12 week intensive course, but can be used flexibly as an elective class of any length, a unit in a standards-based science course, an after school program, a home school curriculum, or a self-paced passion project. Exported as a PDF the substantial content is over 550 pages, but it is best used online - it’s rich with links and embedded resources from around the web, including sources such as National Geographic, JPL, NASA, and more.
For Children and Parents
Star Sailor is a fantastic adventure story that begins with an imaginative eight-year-old girl called Eve whose parents regularly and unapologetically ship her off to stay with her unpleasant Aunt Fanny who lives in a small, dark, creaky cottage just outside a sleepy town in England called West Broom. Eve doesn’t have many friends and with her parents away all the time she feels rather lonely. So, she looks up to the stars to find mystery and wonder.
Eve doesn't think for a moment that her life could ever change until she meets a wise old owl named Sol who shows her that the sky is not the limit. The reader is transported on a magical and inspiring journey off-world to IMAGINARIUM, where our world is seen from above. The message at the heart of this book is about friendship, overcoming fear, and waking up from a deep slumber through expressions of hope, courage, love, and connection! It reminds us that we are all Star Sailors riding through the vast universe on a heroic journey.
To add a little extra magic dust, interviews that Frank and Annahita have conducted with real-life astronauts about the Overview Effect experience (the life-changing experience of seeing first-hand planet Earth from a distance) are woven throughout the story.
There is no getting away from the fact that we are fast approaching a future where the first humans will go on interplanetary missions. The stories we create and tell our children are vitally important in shaping this future and should reflect the world they are about to enter. By creating narratives that inspire and empower young people around the world, we hope to play a small part in showing them that there is not only a world but an entire Universe filled with possibilities. If you, your students, or children are fans of Calvin and Hobbes, Harry Potter, Star Wars, or comic book superheroes… the first volume of The Overview Effect Chronicles is for you. Ad Astra!