This week, St Joseph’s School was thrilled to host an exciting Mission to Space Camp, offering students a unique opportunity to explore the wonders of space and science through engaging, hands-on experiences. The programme featured interactive lessons developed by the University of Canterbury with their Star Dome and Space in Kids. The programme was led by NASA-trained educator Miranda Satterthwaite, whose enthusiasm and expertise helped bring space learning to life. Supported by Christchurch Rocketeers and Aerospace New Zealand’s Aotearoa Aerospace Academy, the camp aimed to spark curiosity, deepen scientific literacy, and inspire future careers in STEM.

Students journeyed through the solar system inside a portable planetarium and learned how to navigate Aotearoa’s night sky, designing their own astronaut suits. Senior students explored Stellarium Webb, a powerful digital tool for identifying constellations and planets. A highlight of the week was the model rocket workshop, where students designed, built, and launched their own rockets. It was a fantastic week of inspiration, discovery, and a celebration of science in action.