Sparking youth's interest in science

Inspiring the scientists and engineers of tomorrow

Space exploration fuels our children's curiosity and imagination. Role models like astronauts inspire students to dream, and consequently, achieve their goals. Many astronauts, engineers, scientists and innovators remember watching the Moon landing as kids and being motivated to work towards their dreams.

As former Canadian Space Agency (CSA) astronaut Chris Hadfield said:

"I wasn't destined to be an astronaut. I had to turn myself into one."

Humanity's quest to explore Mars is already inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers and thinkers.

Visiting schools and encouraging kids to study science

Part of an astronaut's duty is to visit schools and encourage young people to study science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The CSA's astronauts and experts visit classrooms, virtually and in person—and even live from space!—to share how studying in STEM can be exciting.

CSA astronaut Jenni Sidey-Gibbons credits Dr. Roberta Bondar, Canada's first woman to go to space, with inspiring her to become a space explorer.

Giving students the opportunity to participate in real space missions

The CSA shares resources with educators, inspires young Canadians through fun learning activities, and offers internships and student jobs in order to give students real-life experience and to support research, awareness and learning in space science and technology.

Projects with the CSA allow students to build their own satellites and launch them into space, simulate missions on other planets, launch science instruments into the stratosphere and much more.

Explore further

• Youth and educators
• How to become an astronaut
• Inviting an astronaut or a speaker