Hanwha and KAIST Open Korea's Version of 'NASA Space School'

Launch of the Space Genius Nurturing Project 'Ujuui Joyakdol'

Key participants and programs of 'Pebbles of the Universe,' a space prodigy development project jointly conducted by Hanwha Space Hub and KAIST. (Photo by Hanwha)

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] 'If you live on the moon for a month, what would you bring?' 'How would our brains change if we go to space?'

Hanwha Space Hub and KAIST announced on the 9th that they will launch a gifted education project called 'Pebbles of the Universe' for middle school students interested in space.

The project is conducted under the concept of 'adding humanities to science.' The curriculum is composed of an integrated course of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It is regarded as the Korean version of the 'NASA Space School.' Additionally, a two-month 'Space Humanities Conference' course is included to foster students' creativity and imagination.

Notably, the main program, the 'Customized Space Mission Project for Middle School Students,' is conducted in a self-directed CDR (Concept-Design-Research) format. In other words, students choose their own topics and complete the tasks independently. Based at KAIST, students form teams to select topics, develop logical frameworks, and complete assignments on their own. Eight professors from KAIST's Department of Aerospace Engineering and mentors pursuing master's and doctoral degrees engage in discussions with the students. Professor Jeon Eunji of KAIST's Department of Aerospace Engineering explained, "It is designed like a team project of KAIST graduate students," adding, "The method of professors teaching and students memorizing is thoroughly excluded."

Many 'star scientists' and astronauts also participate to teach humanities alongside science. For example, Professor Kim Sangwook of Kyung Hee University's Department of Physics, an expert in the field, will discuss 'Physics in Space.' Professor Jung Jaeseung of KAIST's Department of Bio and Brain Engineering will provide opportunities for students to discuss 'How our brains function in extraterrestrial space environments' and 'What alien brains might look like and how they operate.' NASA ambassador Professor Paul Yoon will share 'How far the United States has come in space exploration.' Dr. Hwang Jeonga from the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, who directly builds satellites, will explain the fact that 'There is weather in space.'

Korea's first astronaut Lee So-yeon, science fiction writer Kim Chang-gyu, and science philosopher Dr. Jang Daeik, author of Darwin's Table, have also joined the 'Space Humanities' teaching staff. After lectures and discussions, they will have time to freely converse with students over meals.

Recruitment targets, schedule, educational content, and benefits of 'Pebbles of the Universe,' a space prodigy development project jointly conducted by Hanwha Space Hub and KAIST. (Photo by Hanwha)

Students participating in 'Pebbles of the Universe' are selected by KAIST faculty through document and interview screenings, narrowing down to 30 students. Selected students will receive space education for six months from July to December. Upon completion, they will receive a certificate from the KAIST president, a voucher for KAIST gifted education courses, and one-on-one career consulting with experts. Outstanding students will be given opportunities for overseas exploration early next year. In addition to Hanwha Space Hub and KAIST faculty, the Ministry of Science and ICT, Ministry of Education, and Korea Foundation for the Advancement of Science and Creativity participated in designing the curriculum. At the graduation ceremony early next year, where team project results will be presented, current researchers from the Korea Aerospace Research Institute and the Science and Technology Policy Institute will also attend. The entire cost of education and training for 'Pebbles of the Universe' is fully covered by Hanwha Space Hub.

'Pebbles of the Universe' is open to all first- and second-year middle school students nationwide. Applications can be submitted on the website from the 11th to the 31st.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.