Ready to embark on the journey? The design challenge platform has a simple format designed for teachers and students. Dive into a wealth of tools and resources to make it easy and fun to participate. The Design Tool section provides step by step guidelines for the design process.

How it works

The Space For Earth- Space For All design challenge asks students to submit a design solution informed by one or more of the UN sustainable development goals outlined in the Space4SDGs, to explore how space science and technologies can benefit humanity for all citizens, to improve life on Earth, impacting everything from fashion and transportation to agriculture and architecture.

Through this design challenge students will:

• Explore innovative ideas from artists and designers working on the cutting edge of technology to inspire their designs. 
• Research the science/technology behind space exploration, to imagine future innovations inspired by space. Delve into the STEMarts Wiki to discover articles, videos and websites. These curated resources will give examples and ideas to inform the design.
• Learn about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Space4SDGs to address local and global challenges on Earth.
• Brainstorm and create iterations of the designs based on their STEAM research with feedback from peers and experts to improve their design.
• Get creative in their ‘Space for Earth-Space for All’ design which can be drawn by hand or computer generated in whatever medium they like.  
• Write a design statement that communicates the concept and the science and technology behind the design: What it is and how it works, how it addresses the Space4SDG, what is the research-based science/technology behind the work, how the design benefits earth for all citizens.
• Study the Design Criteria and guidelines to understand the criteria that judges will be looking for to evaluate and select the winners.
• Submit their final design as a JPG and their final design statement as a PDF to our CaFE Platform.
• Become part of an international challenge to create the most innovative space-inspired design for the future and a chance to win cash prizes.

What do we provide?

The STEMarts International Design Challenge platform provides comprehensive resources: a detailed teacher guide, a student design tool and guide, and the STEMarts Wiki which includes links to space-related research to facilitate the design process. This includes a curated selection of videos, articles, and websites.

What exactly are students designing?

Students will submit a drawing and design statement that is an expression of what has inspired them and what they learned about the Space for Earth Space for All theme. The design should be wildly imaginative yet rooted in science to bring the benefits of space to humankind. We encourage students to let their imaginations fly to create an original and creative design solution. We encourage imaginative futuristic solutions, as well as innovative and practical designs.

What are some examples?

Designs can take many forms, for example: A bio-sensor that connects to satellite forecasts to protect the human body during climate disasters; Fashionable wearables designed from space technologies that address ecological challenges. Or fly further into the future and research the physics of today such as the LIGO experiment to imagine interstellar vehicles that can navigate gravitational waves. The sky is no longer the limit as we venture into outer space for ideas and inspiration.

How can teachers integrate the design challenge in their classrooms?

Teachers can use the tools and resources on this site to create a lesson plan or classroom project which explores the topic of Space For Earth – Space For All. The students create a final design inspired by the themes they have been studying. The design challenge aligns with several targets from the middle and high school Next Generation Science Standards as well as the National Core Art Standards. Visit our Standards page to learn more.

Additional Resources

Our printable Teacher Lesson Guide below is a comprehensive curriculum supplement tailored for teachers to effectively incorporate the design challenge into their classrooms. The student guide is designed to provide guidelines for the student process.

What are the United Nation Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 interconnected global goals adopted by all United Nations member states in 2015. They provide a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. Students must choose one or more of these goals to inform their design.

What are the Space4SDGs?

Space4SDGs is an initiative that leverages space technology and satellite data to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. It recognizes the importance of space science, technology, and applications in addressing global challenges and advancing sustainable development. Students can find here scientific resources to inspire their designs.