A Glance at Space Education: An Italian Point of View

The importance of having the same education program around the world is not trivial. A multispeed space race, in which the influence of member states varies, could weaken proficiency related to a common space science standard. It is clear how important a common level of learning is within the space sector, especially given the use of it in assuring national development and peaceful uses. For that reason, during the UNISPACE conference in 1968, national delegations endorsed the creation of a specific space science program, leading to the adoption of the United Space Program on Space Application, providing training courses and long-term fellowship opportunities under institutional cooperation. In support of this initiative, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolutions 45/72 and 50/27, being aware of the need to increase the growth of space technologies and benefits deriving therefrom. These decisions are especially important to the progress of education systems for the sake of a greater legal certaintytaking in particular account the interest of developing countries. International efforts to establish the Regional Center for Space Science and Technology Education, affiliated with the United Nations, have been realized with the goal to get greater and immediate results to promote a cross-border educational activity. Based on a specific assessment process, a UN commission of experts has identified the following nations that would host Regional Centers: India (1995), Morocco (1998), Nigeria (1998), Mexico and Brazil (2003), Jordan (2012), and finally China in 2014. Furthermore, to have a common level of learning in the space sector, it is important to start with formal education in schools. In our knowledge-based society, many studies have highlighted an alarming decline in young people's interest in key science studies and mathematics. The international science education community mostly agrees on the importance to adopt pedagogical practices that are more effective on inquiry-based methods to reverse this trend. Teaching and learningScience, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) is important to encourage students to pursue a career in these fields and particularly in the space domain. We believe space science is an ideal context to learn STEM and a useful tool to help attract the interest of students. Space is able to turn on the imagination and promote curiosity.