- Collaborative project-based research working with NASA based learning materials.
- Videoconferencing and facilitation provided through our Digital Learning Centre.
- During the videoconference session students can share their work and models with Distance Learning Expert.
- E-Pal Week, a special International Summer Camp session at Space Camp Türkiye! (optional)
- Often Special Guests such as Astronauts and NASA Scientists attend E-Pal Week – Offering inspirational presentations and small-group meet and greet sessions, time permitting.
Program Overview
Global Friendship Through Space Education (GFTSE) is a California-based 501(c) 3 non-profit organization founded in 2002. It is dedicated to promoting friendship among young people from different countries and cultures through the study of space-related science and technology. GFTSE`s goal of global friendship is accomplished through our Partner School Science Program (PSSP), and Scholarship Program - coupled with our new innovative Future Explorers Program (FEP).
PSSP, FEP and Scholarship programs are more than you read here, the students will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on activities where they can reinforce self-esteem, make long-lasting friendships, gain problem-solving skills, and learn while having fun in a unique learning environment. Check out 5 Reasons Why You Should Send Your Child To Space Camp Türkiye!
PARTNER SCHOOL SCIENCE PROGRAM (PSSP)
PSSP is a perfect example of Global Friendship in action. For the past 21 years, GFTSE and the PSSP have been bringing together science classrooms from around the world, using a common interest in space science and space travel that is shared amongst all participants. Using effective NASA based learning materials and project-based teaching methods – to open communication, appreciation, and understanding between partner school students that goes beyond cultures and language. Students not only able to learn in an exciting and stimulating environment, GFTSE assigns “E-Pals” to children from different countries. These E-Pals can make life-long friendships, as students E-mail each other not only about space-related topics and projects but also about their daily lives. This gives PSSP a unique multi-cultural aspect that keeps teachers and students returning from year-to-year, reaching out to over 6000 students worldwide since its beginning in 2002.Program Components Include:
FUTURE EXPLORERS PROGRAM
The Future Explorers Program (FEP) connects teachers and students to Space Camp Türkiye (SCT) and uses space education to expand their knowledge of the world around them. The program utilizes our state-of-the-art Digital Learning Centre, collaborative research, hands-on science, and space education as tools to encourage young children to study Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) related topics. Our curriculum is designed to challenge students to explore their own potential as well as the universe, and truly become the next generation of explorers.
Program Components Include:
- NASA based learning materials that allow students to study science topics in a unique way through space-based activities; teachers can also incorporate activities into their own classroom curriculum.
- Two-way videoconferencing between SCT and the participant school offers participants the opportunity to meet with the expert face-to-face and to personalize their work in a meaningful way. Videoconferences enable students to share their science projects with Distance Learning Expert and get feedback in real time.
- Participants can meet other Future Explorers involved with our program during a special six-day session called “Future Explorers Summit” (FES). In this special week-long session, campers will have the opportunity to not only interact with other motivated students and to share their explorer team projects during our “FEP Science Fair” - but also meet and greet with our own GFTSE Space Expert and often our FES Guest Speaker for the week.
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
GFTSE awards scholarships to 12–15-year-old students, who may be gifted, disadvantaged or victims of natural disasters (such as earthquake victims from Van, Türkiye and Sichuan, China). Depending upon their language proficiency, students attend one of the following programs during the summer:
- 6-Day (English-Language) International Space Camp : Since 2002, young people from over thirty different countries have participated in the 6-day program. The experience not only stimulates interest in science and math, but also offers the opportunity to make lasting relationships by working in teams of sixteen, side-by-side campers from different countries.
- 6-Day (Turkish-Language) Space Camp : This 6-day program is offered in Turkish because most Turkish students from disadvantaged backgrounds do not speak English well enough to participate in the international program. Campers who attend this program can meet young people from throughout Türkiye and enjoy a unique educational experience.