Destination Tonsley

Four high school students participating in a space work experience plan enjoyed a week-long program at Flinders University over their summer break, where they investigated the capability of small robots and learnt about image restoration.

The Flinders cohort, from Urrbrae, Marryatville, Heathfield and Modbury high schools and Christian Brothers College, completed either a robotics or imaging placement at Tonsley campus over 20 to 24 January 2020.

Those interested in robotics became familiar with the University’s recently acquired small ground ‘Zumo 32U4’ robots. With the help of Associate Professor Russell Brinkworth, they learnt to code them to drive around a room in relation to their starting point, followed by more complicated behaviours.

Students keen on imaging learnt to access the NASA Planetary Data System, locate images in need of restoration, and use python programming to reconstruct them, thanks to the expertise of Dr Paulo Santos.

The initiative was part of the South Australian government’s pilot Space Industry Work Experience plan, which connects space-minded students from years 10 to 12 with organisations that have capabilities in space-related technologies. The pilot program received 88 applicants and 31 students were shortlisted for placements. It is being evaluated by the Department for Education through pre and post student surveys, with the assistance of Flinders University’s Dr David Curtis in the design of qualitative questions.

Cooper Whitbread took part in the space imaging placement
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