Global Space Week is an annual international celebration of space science and technology that encourages innovation, international cooperation, and curiosity about the universe.“Studying space also encourages kids to dream big,” said Heather McCarthy, media specialist at Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School. “It shows them that the impossible can be achieved with dedication, curiosity, and collaboration, whether that’s traveling to Mars or discovering new ways to live sustainably in space.”
Global Space Week commemorates two major milestones in space exploration: the launch of Sputnik 1, the first human-made satellite, on Oct. 4, 1957, and the signing of the Outer Space Treaty on Oct. 10, 1967. The event aims to inspire students, educators, and the public about the importance of space exploration and its impact on our daily lives. Under McCarthy’s guidance, students at OLHMS were excited to take part.
“I wanted my students to participate in Global Space Week because it provides an incredible opportunity for them to explore the vastness of space and see the real-world applications of STEM — science, technology, engineering, and math,” McCarthy said. “As a librarian, I believe that sparking curiosity early on can inspire a lifelong interest in learning, and Global Space Week offers students a way to connect their classroom knowledge with the exciting world of space exploration.”
During Global Space Week, Oct. 4-10, students at OLHMS, 5345 W. 99th St., Oak Lawn, engaged in hands-on activities, including building rockets, rovers, and satellites with LEGOs. They also participated in the Global Space Challenge, a six-day virtual space mission that provided lessons focused on the technical knowledge and theoretical understanding needed to design and conduct a successful space mission.
Working as a team, the students learned the engineering design process, applied new skills, and ran simulations to design a mission to another planet in the solar system. Daily mission training included live events with space mission experts such as astronauts, engineers, and scientists.
Students also viewed Cosmic Career Chats, which connected them with real STEM professionals who shared their inspirations, motivations, and journeys to careers in STEM fields.
“What I liked best about Global Space Week was the Cosmic Career Chats,” said Zuri Johnson, 12, of Oak Lawn. “I learned about different STEM jobs in the space industry, like the job of a meteorologist and how they collaborate to compare weather and use data to report to the weather channel.”
Through the weeklong space study, students developed problem-solving skills and creativity, according to OLHMS educators.
“They also had a chance to think critically about our future in space, whether it’s understanding the challenges of space travel, the importance of satellites, or imagining what life on other planets might be like,” McCarthy said. “Global Space Week encouraged teamwork, innovation, and a sense of global citizenship, showing students that they are part of a worldwide effort to explore and protect our universe.”
McCarthy said she loves how Global Space Week bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world applications.
“When students participate in hands-on activities like building space models or simulating missions, they begin to see how math, science, and technology work together in exciting ways,” she said. “It’s a chance for students to step into the shoes of scientists, engineers, and astronauts, imagining themselves making future discoveries.
“But most of all, I appreciate the sense of awe that space exploration evokes. Space challenges us to look at the bigger picture, reminding us that we are part of a much larger universe. It brings a sense of humility and a desire to protect our planet, while also feeding our curiosity about what lies beyond. That combination of wonder, learning, and global unity is what makes Global Space Week so awesome.”
Students were as excited as McCarthy about the weeklong project, including Elizabeth Carroll, 12, of Oak Lawn.
“I’ve always had an interest in space, but I never knew there was a Global Space Week,” Carroll said. “I really liked collaborating with my friends on projects.”
