Robotics 

Dear parents, 

Last Tuesday, Saltwater College welcomed Daniel Ricardo, PhD researcher at Swinburne Space Technology and Industry Institute, as our inspiring guest speaker. 

Over a special WebEx session, Year Five and Year Six students heard about Daniel’s research on Space resources, including his research on water resources on the moon. He informed us about the growing opportunities for space research in Australia and upcoming missions to the Moon. 

Daniel shared how he got started in robotics, the rocket and space rover design by joining clubs at university. He was part of an interdisciplinary team which built a rover from a combination of bought, machined and 3D printed parts. Getting involved in such activities allowed Daniel to meet interesting people from all over the world, learn lots and have fun. 

Daniel answered questions from our students and confirmed that people in space do in fact collect their pee and recycle it into drinking water. Daniel explained that the recycling process actually made the water cleaner and purer, than the water that came from taps at home! 

Daniel suggested activities that students could get involved in to further their knowledge and passion for space, Robotics and STEM, including excursions and competitions that we can add to the Saltwater College Robotics and STEM program. 

The Planetarium at Scienceworks in Spotswood is another place that families can visit. Easing of Covid restrictions will see the Planetarium reopen shortly. You can find more about what’s on by checking the Museums Victoria website. https://museumsvictoria.com.au/scienceworks/whats-on/  

Gemma Fowler 

Robotics Teacher