STEM Trainer – Space & Astronomy

JOB SUMMARY

We are looking for a passionate STEM Trainer – Space & Astronomy to deliver engaging, hands-on learning experiences for students from Grade 1 to Grade 12 and beyond (18+ years). The trainer will conduct activity-based classes, mentor students on space science projects, monitor their progress, and prepare them for workshops, exhibitions, astronomy events, and STEM competitions.

The ideal candidate should possess strong knowledge of space science, astronomy, embedded systems, electronics, programming, and prototyping, along with the ability to inspire students through experiential and project-based learning.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Classroom Teaching

• Conduct engaging Space & Astronomy sessions using activity-based and project-based learning methodologies.
• Teach concepts through practical demonstrations, experiments, models, and engineering challenges.
• Create an interactive classroom environment that promotes curiosity, scientific thinking, and exploration.

Lesson Planning & Preparation

• Prepare lesson plans, activity guides, and project resources based on the curriculum.
• Organize astronomy kits, telescopes, electronic components, sensors, and learning materials before every session.
• Adapt lesson delivery to suit different age groups and learning abilities.

Student Mentoring & Assessment

• Observe, mentor, and evaluate students throughout the learning journey.
• Provide technical guidance during project development and experimentation.
• Assess students on conceptual understanding, practical skills, creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving.
• Maintain student progress records and project documentation.

Space & Astronomy Project Development

• Guide students in designing, building, testing, and improving space science and astronomy projects.
• Teach concepts including the Solar System, planets, stars, galaxies, constellations, the Moon, space exploration, satellites, rockets, orbital mechanics, gravity, telescopes, and observational astronomy.
• Mentor students in developing STEM models such as satellites, space rovers, telescopes, launch systems, environmental monitoring systems, and other space-related prototypes.
• Integrate electronics, embedded systems, and programming into space science activities using microcontrollers and sensors.
• Guide students in collecting, analysing, and interpreting scientific data through experiments and sensor-based projects.
• Encourage students to apply the engineering design process to solve real-world space exploration challenges through hands-on learning.

Competition & Event Preparation

• Train students for astronomy quizzes, space science competitions, STEM exhibitions, workshops, hackathons, and technical events.
• Mentor students in project presentations, scientific demonstrations, and technical documentation.
• Support astronomy observation sessions, science fairs, and outreach programs.

STEM Lab Management

• Maintain laboratory equipment including telescopes, astronomy kits, electronic components, sensors, and other learning resources.
• Ensure proper handling, calibration, and storage of equipment while following safety procedures.
• Monitor inventory and report damaged or missing materials.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and engaging STEM laboratory.

REQUIRED SKILLS

Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of space science, astronomy, and space exploration concepts.
• Knowledge of the Solar System, planetary science, stars, galaxies, satellites, rockets, telescopes, orbital mechanics, gravity, and observational astronomy.
• Good understanding of electronics, embedded systems, and electrical circuits.
• Hands-on experience with microcontrollers such as Arduino, Raspberry Pi Pico, ESP32, or similar development boards.
• Knowledge of embedded programming using Arduino IDE, C/C++, MicroPython, Python, or Scratch-based platforms.
• Experience interfacing sensors such as temperature, pressure, humidity, light, GPS, IMU, accelerometer, gyroscope, and other environmental sensors for scientific experiments.
• Familiarity with data logging, sensor integration, and scientific experimentation.
• Knowledge of CAD software for designing scientific models and prototypes.
• Basic knowledge of 3D printing, laser cutting, rapid prototyping, and digital fabrication techniques.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for hardware integration, embedded programming, and prototype development.

Teaching & Professional Skills

• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Strong classroom management and student mentoring abilities.
• Passion for experiential, activity-based, and project-based learning.
• Ability to simplify complex scientific concepts for different age groups.
• Creativity, patience, adaptability, and a continuous learning mindset.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Physics, Astronomy, Space Science, Aerospace Engineering, Electronics, Mechanical Engineering, Science, or a related field.
• Fresh graduates and candidates with 3 – 4 years of relevant experience are encouraged to apply.
• Experience in STEM education, astronomy outreach, space science projects, or science communication will be an added advantage.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The role involves conducting classes in STEM labs, facilitating workshops, mentoring students on technical projects, supporting astronomy observation sessions, and preparing students for competitions, exhibitions, science fairs, and academic events. Occasional travel may be required for school programs, outreach activities, and STEM competitions.