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We're thrilled to share a glimpse of what Science Days 2025 accomplished!
From hands-on experiments to mind-blowing demonstrations, the impact has been truly unforgettable. This year, we had the honor of hosting 12.800 students and an incredible delegation of teachers, researchers, and scientists from the Azores/Portugal, alongside the amazing participation of Florida Tech, DAVE School, KSCIA, Full Sail University, Ohio State University and the Azores Mission Structure for Space. Huge thanks to AMAZON for your incredible support.
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 We believe space education goes beyond textbooks🚀it's about igniting passion, curiosity, and big dreams.
That’s why we proudly lead and support SCIENCEDAYS, a groundbreaking American initiative that is making waves globally. Most recently, it took place in São José dos Campos and Campinas, bringing immersive STEM & Space experiences to thousands of students. Through hands-on activities and real-world engagement, we’re connecting young minds to the world of space exploration, technology, and STEAM education. Our mission is simple: to empower the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers—because the future of space begins with the dreamers of today. Huge thanks to AMAZON for your incredible support. Together, we’re shaping futures, breaking barriers, and reaching for the stars. Let’s keep pushing boundaries—together!  A day to remember!
We welcomed students from Ysgol Pen-y-Bryn - Wales for an unforgettable space experience at KSCIA. In collaboration with the Toni Jennings Exceptional Education Institute (University of Central Florida), The National Center for Simulation - DoD STARBASE Central Florida , and incredible educators, students from Ysgol Pen-Y-Bryn in Wales embarked on an inspiring journey through space history and the future of exploration! Guided by amazing Space instructors, Alessandro Bonaiuto and Jonathan Sopelak, they stood beneath the legendary Saturn V rocket, explored space history up close, and even had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet astronaut Tom Jones! Moments like these remind us why space education matters—it unites people, sparks curiosity, and inspires the next generation of explorers.  The Michaelis Foundation for Global Education proudly co-hosted an extraordinary Space & STEAM immersion, designed to empower educators with advanced knowledge and skills in Space and STEAM education. This unique experience combined classroom instruction with dynamic, hands-on, and interactive activities, all aimed at inspiring educators to ignite curiosity and innovation in their students.
Representing over 30 schools, participants dove deep into cutting-edge topics like Astrobiology, CubeSats, Robotics, and Rocket Science. Through engaging workshops, project-based learning sessions, and expert-led discussions, educators discovered innovative ways to bring Space and STEAM education into their classrooms, fostering the next generation of scientific minds. Highlights of the program included visits to iconic landmarks of the pioneering American Space Program, where educators gained firsthand insights into the history and future of space exploration. They also explored the latest advancements in science and engineering, bridging the gap between theoretical concepts and practical applications. This immersive experience would not have been possible without the incredible support of International School, KSCIA International Space Academy, and the Center for Space Education. Together, we are building a brighter future by empowering educators to inspire students and cultivate the leaders of tomorrow. Special thanks to all our partners and participants for making this journey truly “out of this world.” 🚀✨ Nine exceptional students and one dedicated teacher from Brazil experienced a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to participate in the International Journey of Science & Technology Program at the KSCIA International Space Academy. This transformative experience was made possible through full scholarships generously provided by AWS, reflecting the company’s commitment to fostering innovation and inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders.
The program immersed participants in a dynamic blend of theoretical and practical learning, offering hands-on STEM activities such as astrobiology experiments, robotics programming, and the application of classroom knowledge to real-world challenges. Highlights included witnessing a live rocket launch and exploring iconic landmarks like the Rocket Garden, Saturn V, and Atlantis exhibits. Throughout the journey, students and teachers interacted with aerospace industry professionals, gaining invaluable insights into the possibilities of a STEM career. "AWS’s sponsorship of this initiative underscores its dedication to empowering talented minds through education and technology", said Jeff Michaelis, leading the Space Education outreach of the Michaelis Foundation. "By providing access to high-quality space education, AWS is nurturing future space explorers and innovators, equipping them with the tools and inspiration needed to turn their dreams into reality". This initiative not only fosters curiosity and ambition in STEM fields but also demonstrates the power of collaboration between organizations, educators, and students in advancing global scientific and technological innovation. This week, our organizations teamed up once again to bring Space & STEAM education to life for an extraordinary group of students and educators from Brazil and the U.S.
Through our collaborative efforts, we’re breaking barriers and making Space and STEM education more accessible, inspiring the next generation of explorers, scientists, and innovators. Participants embarked on an immersive journey that showcased the latest advancements and future possibilities in the U.S. Space Exploration Program. From hands-on workshops to expert-led discussions, they dived deep into the fascinating world of science and technology that’s shaping our future. But the real highlight? Witnessing not one, but THREE SpaceX rocket launches within just 24 hours! The awe and excitement on everyone’s faces said it all. These unforgettable live launches provided a front-row seat to the rapidly growing commercial space industry, leaving participants inspired and energized to dream big. Through this powerful partnership, we’re not just teaching science and technology—we’re creating moments that ignite curiosity, spark innovation, and foster a lifelong passion for exploration. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us and to our amazing partners, AWS and KSCIA, for making this mission possible. Together, we’re launching dreams and shaping the future of Space & STEAM education! 🚀🌟 The Michaelis Foundation for Global Education would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the U.S. Commercial Service Mindi Hertzog and the US Embassy Lisbon Ana Paula Vila for their incredible support in making our recent U.S. Space Education Mission to Portugal a great success. Thanks to their assistance, we had highly productive meetings with Portuguese institutions, leading to the creation of exciting new collaborative projects.
One such project is the International Journey ISS expedition, where we are proud to bring on board five Portuguese public schools, including the esteemed Carolina Michaelis school. Carolina Michaelis, who taught at a girls' high school between 1915 and 1916 and became the school's patron in 1926, is the inspiration behind The Michaelis Foundation and Science Days. Additionally, we were thrilled to invite students and educators to participate in the upcoming Small Sat conference and the Space Conference for Educators. We are also pleased to announce that KSCIA and The Michaelis Foundation will be sponsoring students and teachers to attend our space education programs. Together, we are forging new paths in space education and inspiring the next generation of explorers and innovators. 🌍🚀  An international collaboration aims to engage students and educators in scientific research and promote STEM-Space education between Brazil, Portugal, and the United States. Space Coast, United States – The Michaelis Foundation, KSCIA International Space Academy, and R-Crio Announce Students’ Participation in the SSEP Mission 19 to the International Space Station (ISS)
According to a recent article published by The Guardian, a major challenge in conducting research in space is the cost. The price of sending a single experiment to the International Space Station (ISS) and back has been reported to be around $7.5 million, particularly if it includes astronaut time. Despite these challenges, providing access and support to middle and high school students to engage in space research is crucial in inspiring a new generation of space explorers. In light of this, the Michaelis Foundation for Global Education, in partnership with KSCIA International Space Academy and R-Crio, proudly announces the participation of Brazilian and Portuguese students and educators in Mission 19 of the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program (SSEP). This project, guided by the U.S. team, marks the return of SSEP to Brazil and makes its debut in Portugal. Students enrolled in KSCIA's space education program and institutions engaged in educational space projects with the Michaelis Foundation will have an unprecedented opportunity to design and develop scientific experiments under the mentorship of Brazilian and American scientists and researchers. Upon conclusion of the project, one experiment will be selected for launch to the International Space Station (ISS), where it will be conducted in microgravity by an astronaut. The results of these experiments will be sent back to Earth for analysis, offering students a unique hands-on experience in space research. The Student Spaceflight Experiments Program (SSEP) is a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education initiative developed by the U.S. National Center for Earth and Space Science Education (NCESSE). Since its inception in 2010, SSEP, in collaboration with Nanoracks and NASA, has immersed educational institutions like KSCIA in all stages of scientific research, enabling high school students to design experiments for execution in microgravity aboard the ISS. "Education is the first step toward transformation. We are dedicated to providing these young minds with opportunities to explore and develop a passion for space science," stated Jefferson Michaelis, director of Space Education Engagement of the Michaelis Foundation for Global Education. This project is a collaborative effort between KSCIA International Space Academy, the Michaelis Foundation, R-Crio, Anadem, and Science Days. R-Crio, a Brazilian stem cell biotechnology company based in Campinas, specializes in the cryopreservation of adult stem cells and contributes to advancements in regenerative medicine and tissue bioengineering. "R-Crio is dedicated to advancing regenerative medicine and tissue bioengineering through the cryopreservation of stem cells. Participating in this project allows us not only to share our scientific knowledge with bright young minds but also to inspire them to explore new frontiers in science and technology. Seeing these Brazilian and Portuguese students have the opportunity to send their experiments to the International Space Station is proof that the future of scientific research is in good hands," stated Dr. José Ricardo Muniz Ferreira, President of R-Crio. For José Carlos Filho, country manager for Latin America at KSCIA, the project goes beyond an international partnership. "Our goal is to inspire the next generation of scientists. Providing these students the opportunity to see their ideas come to life in space is a transformative experience," commented a KSCIA representative. Importance of Microgravity Studies Experiments conducted in microgravity are essential for understanding various biological and physical processes that are typically influenced by Earth’s gravity. Research carried out on the ISS allows scientists to observe phenomena in ways that are impossible on Earth, such as the crystallization of proteins, the growth of cells and microorganisms, and the behavior of fluids. This research not only furthers scientific understanding but also holds the potential to lead to groundbreaking technologies and medical treatments benefiting humanity. Important Dates:
This international collaboration underscores the commitment of The Michaelis Foundation and its partners to fostering global scientific education and innovation. By engaging students in real-world space research, the project aims to ignite their passion for science and open doors to future careers in STEM fields. High cost, high reward The major problem with doing research in space is the cost. The price of getting a single experiment to the ISS and back has been reported as being in the region of $7.5m, particularly if it includes astronaut time, a fee that is currently covered either by Nasa or research grants. It is also incredibly competitive, with thousands of scientists around the world vying to have their experiments flown into orbit. Space Day in Collaboration with AWS Inspires Hundreds of Students
In an exciting collaboration with AWS, Space Day was held in 10 different schools across various regions, inspiring hundreds of kids with a day full of STEAM activities and hands-on space experiences. Each Space Day event transformed the educational environment into a hub of space exploration. Students ages 7-15 engaged in a wide array of activities, from building and launching model rockets to experimenting with space-themed science projects. The event also features an impressive collection of space memorabilia, including artifacts that have flown on actual space missions, providing a tangible connection to the vast universe beyond our planet. A highlight of Space Day is the captivating presentation titled "The Next Generation Space Explorers," delivered by Jeff Michaelis, the director of space engagement. His inspiring talk motivates young minds to dream big and pursue careers in space and technology. Space Day, in collaboration with AWS, is not just an educational event; it’s a celebration of curiosity and innovation, sparking a lifelong passion for space in the hearts of children. |
Michaelis in actionWe work with partner organizations worldwide to tackle critical challenges in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Archives
April 2025
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