This session will detail the First Kids in Space project designed to support and inspire those 'space nut' kids who start dreaming of the stars early. It will go over ways that parents can help them as well as the interactive activities the project is making available for kids so they can begin contributing even while they are still starting out.

Through 20+ years in Education, Jonathan ‘the Edunaut’ has flown at the bleeding edge of learning how digital tools (STEM, AR/VR, AI, environment sensors) and a focus on our humanity can boost the success of students everywhere. He has also learned by working with luminaries such as Dr Rubin Puentedura (SAMR), Dr Larry Johnson (NMC) and Prof Stephen Heppell (Learnometer), the FutureWe Community, and his roles at Edunauts, First on Mars and former Chief Futures Officer at STEM Punks, how tools alone are not enough - but must be combined with futures thinking to truly transform lives in the new space and fully digital era.

As a globally awarded Innovator, Mars Society Ambassador, World teacher of the Year, and CoSpaces and Merge Edu Ambassador, Jonathan is constantly working to help other educators launch into the future in ways that also work here on the ground.

Recent engagements and awards:

Aviation Aerospace Australia Award (with STEM Punks) 2024

Speaker, Mars Society Convention 2024

Co-Designer, Space 2101 Internatonal Space Events 2023

Spaceward Bound NASA funded Mars Desert Research Program 2022