QSNCC Sparks Inspiration with Thailand’s First Out-of-Classroom Learning Event: ‘Empowering Thai Students to Reach for the Stars: Space Day 2024 Thailand’
Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) believes that children’s learning should extend beyond the classroom. To support boundless learning, we are proud to be the venue of the “Empowering Thai Students to Reach for the Stars: Space Day 2024 Thailand” project. This initiative offers out-of-classroom learning experiences in space and engineering, giving the new generation a unique opportunity to explore and cultivate creativity at our center.
The “Empowering Thai Students to Reach for the Stars: Space Day 2024 Thailand” project is being held in Thailand for the first time. This event marks a significant milestone in expanding out-of-classroom activities in science and space, aiming to develop skills and increase children’s awareness of the importance of science and space technology. The participating children were thrilled to meet Charles Sam Gemar, an American former NASA astronaut and lieutenant colonel in the United States Army, affectionately known as “Mr. Sam.” Having completed three space shuttle missions (STS-38, STS-48, and STS-62), orbited the Earth 385 times, and spent over 581 hours in space, Mr. Sam flew in to share his experiences in spaceflight.
Surapol Utintu, Chief Executive Officer of QSNCC, stated, “QSNCC is delighted to be part of this wonderful project that supports Thai children in experiencing out-of-classroom learning. Our venue is more than just a convention center; it is a place where people can engage in activities that suit their lifestyles. With our spacious area and comprehensive facilities, we hope the children will feel happy, inspired, and able to learn to the fullest.”
At the event, children participated in various activities, including the “Build Your Space Shuttle” workshop and the “Train Like an Astronaut” activity with Mr. Sam. They also had the opportunity to speak with him and hear firsthand about his experiences working in space. Mr. Sam shared fascinating perspectives and insights that the children could apply to various situations.
“We were so excited to meet Mr. Sam, a real-life former astronaut. It was amazing! Mr. Sam was very kind and gave us the chance to ask questions about working in space. We had a lot of fun with activities related to astronomy and space, like experiencing real meteorites, making our own space shuttles, and using the Moon Phase Calculator. We enjoyed learning soft skills and developed our teamwork through group activities,” said Newnew-Nannapas Charoenthungwittaya and Wawa-Pimchanok Prueangwittayagan, students from Bodindecha (Sing Singhaseni) School, with bright smiles.
“We hope there will be more great projects like this and more spacious, convenient areas where we can enjoy out-of-classroom learning,” Wawa and Newnew concluded before heading into the event activities.
Mr. Sam talked about his astronaut career, saying, “My dream career when I was young was to be an astronaut—a U.S. astronaut—with the opportunity to fly in space.” He continued, “The greatest obstacle I faced on the path to becoming an astronaut was accumulating all the academic credentials and work experience. These are not easy tasks.”
Additionally, Mr. Sam expressed his admiration for the Queen Sirikit Convention Center, calling it a place of inspiration. He said, “I’ve been all over the world, including 15 countries in the past year, and this is the most impressive facility I think I’ve seen anywhere in the world.”
He continued, “You can’t help but be impressed by the architecture, the design, and the combination of convention and retail spaces. It’s unique to see people going about their everyday lives outside the meeting venues. I haven’t seen this kind of combination elsewhere, and it was fun to see.”
Mr. Sam added, “As you look around the convention center and see the art and the people, it’s an opportunity to learn about the culture, meet the locals, and experience the friendliness of the culture and of the people here. The Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) is ‘inspirational’ and ‘futuristic.'”
Inspiring oneself and seeking learning experiences outside the classroom are essential for achieving our dreams. The Queen Sirikit National Convention Center is excited to offer a space that sparks inspiration, helping Thai children learn and build a brighter future together.
