Instruments from the International Space Station (ISS) have been replicated in a Space Lab at a Dubai school. The Space Lab, inaugurated at GEMS International School – Al Khail (GIS), allows students to delve into topics like hydroponic agriculture on Mars, 3D game design in the metaverse, AI-enhanced robotic pets for Mars, autonomous vehicles for Martian transportation, DIY space repairs, and the use of robotic arms, wearable haptics, and gesture controls for space operations.
This program will be offered as an elective for Grades 9-10 students in Design under the IBMYP next academic year. GIS provides a variety of design courses including Product Design, Digital Design/UI/UX, Food Design, Fashion Design, STEM Aviation, and now Space Lab. The focus is on student-centered learning, where students are encouraged to be developers rather than consumers of technology.
Vikas Singh, Head of Secondary Design and Director of the Centre of Excellence for Aviation, Aeronautics, and Space at GEMS International School – Al Khail, emphasized that traditional teaching methods are not used. Instead, student-centered environments are created to help students rapidly advance their skills. Students are also engaged in projects like using compressed air for mechanical projects and developing robotic arms for space operations.
Excited students discussed their projects in detail. Russian student Stepan Litovchenko explained hydroponic farming in space, highlighting its resource efficiency and controlled environment. Grade 10 student Rehana discussed a remote-controlled mechanical arm used in space, which can perform tasks without human intervention. An interactive robot, used in various applications including sports and space, also attracted attention.
The inauguration event was attended by Nora AlMatrooshi, the first Emirati female astronaut, and Mohammad AlMulla, a recent graduate of the NASA Astronaut Candidate Class training program. The school expressed interest in collaborating with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) and aims to partner with other schools in Dubai to integrate aviation, aeronautics, and space into a dynamic curriculum.
