The Eco-Orbit Challenge: How You Can Get Involved

Are you a STEM Ambassador working in the space sector or passionate about space?

Aerospace Kinross, SSERC and STEM Ambassadors delivering a mobile planetarium day.

We are looking for STEM Ambassadors volunteers for the upcoming Eco-Orbit Challenge, a space outreach project funded by ESERO-UK through STEM Learning. Designed and delivered in partnership with Aero Space Kinross, the Eco-Orbit Challenge is a transition project which connects primary school learners in North Lanarkshire with their local secondary school (St Maurice's High School) and takes them on a journey to design, build, and test their own model satellites with a focus on sustainability and climate. The project will take place over the course of the 2026 Autumn term.

STEM Ambassadors are an essential part of this project, working directly with young people along the entire way. Here is a timeline for the project and how you can get involved:

1. Before the project begins, there will be a training day for teachers to learn about the resources and how to run the project with their class/group on 9th September; STEM Ambassadors are welcome to join on the day to learn about the resources and link up with a school.

2. We will then host a Mission Briefing/mobile planetarium day at the secondary school on 28th October. This will be a large, fun-filled event with hands-on activities - a great way to get involved in STEM outreach working with the delivery team and other volunteers.

3. Learners will then begin the process of designing a model satellite in teams, with a STEM Ambassador mentor for each school. Mentors will meet with their teams at least once during the month of November during the design, building, and testing phase.

4. The project will culminate in a Showcase Day with their completed satellite models and STEM Ambassador panels on 25th November. This is another larger event with lots of space for volunteers!

Additionally, STEM Ambassadors mentors are requested to fill out a short Spotlight profile and film a brief video to inspire the young people and give them ideas ahead of the Mission Briefing Day; creating these resources is also a good option to volunteer if you are based in another part of Scotland and/or can't attend the in-person events.

If you are interested in volunteering for any part of the Eco-Orbit Challenge, please reach out to stemambassadors@sserc.scot for more information and for next steps.