Developing a Space Science STEAM Enrichment Program for Secondary School Gifted Students in the United Arab Emirates

The space sector in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is evolving rapidly and becoming a key factor in the UAE’s economic growth. This research aimed to develop a Space Science Enrichment STEAM Program tailored for gifted students in the advanced science stream in UAE secondary schools. To date, the enrichment programs and schools’ curricula do not include a space-related specialization. By creating new collaboration ties between schools and experts in the space field, students were exposed to theoretical and practical sessions that link scientific concepts and their real-life applications through technical tools such as software modeling and 3D printing.