KRALENDIJK – Over the past few weeks, life on Bonaire has been dominated by all things space. Astronaut André Kuipers visited the island to show young people that there is much more to space travel than just rockets. To mark the opening of the new Galileo satellite station, schoolchildren discovered how satellites are a vital part of day-to-day life in the Caribbean region.
Space lessons
The pupils had been well prepared for the astronaut’s visit. In the two weeks leading up to the event, they had been working on assignments from a special educational teaching programme about space called Spacebuzz. The children had also thought of plenty of questions to ask André Kuipers during his visit. During the event at the ‘Jong Bonaire’ youth centre, one topic proved particularly popular and this was reflected in the most frequently asked question which was exactly how a spaceship toilet works.
André Kuipers and host Sander Koenen explained how many everyday objects only work thanks to space exploration. The pupils already knew about the navigation app on a mobile phone and how to watch live sport or check the weather forecast, but they have now learned that this all requires satellites.
One highlight as far as the pupils was concerned was trying out the VR headsets, which enabled them to experience an actual launch and travel around the globe in VR. At the end of the day, they were given the opportunity to make a wish about the future of Bonaire. All these wishes were collected and are going to be given a special place at, for example, the new Galileo satellite station.
Public event at the library
Later on, even more children had the opportunity to meet André Kuipers at the Public Library at Kaya Amsterdam. They were also given another chance to try on VR headsets and find out what it was like to travel into space. The whole day was organised in collaboration with the organisations behind the ‘Techkwadraat’ and ‘Sterk Techniek Onderwijs Caribisch Nederland’ programmes, that provided the VR headsets.
Screening of the ‘Beyond: Ode to the Earth’ film on Wilhelminaplein square
People were also invited to come and watch the ‘Beyond: Ode to the Earth' film on Wilhelminaplein square. In this film, André Kuipers shows us the Earth from space using stunning images and music, rather than words. The film included footage from various space missions over the past twenty years and made a lasting impression on the audience. At the end of the film, children were given another chance to ask André Kuipers some questions.