2026 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Bringing Space to Classrooms: A Modified Hands-On CanSat Program for Promoting STEM Education and Career Aspirations

Presented at Aerospace Division (AERO) Poster Session

This study introduces a modified CanSat program designed to enhance STEM education and inspire career aspirations among middle and high school students. CanSat, a soda can–sized model satellite, offers an experiential platform for understanding mechanical, electrical, and aerospace engineering, as well as embedded systems and programming. To address barriers faced by young learners, the program incorporates beginner-friendly modules, step-by-step tutorials, and a guided curriculum to support a more inclusive learning experience. This initiative aims to foster engineering confidence, encourage teamwork, and build foundational STEM skills.
Many middle and high school students lack access to hands-on STEM learning, which is critical to cultivating future innovators. While traditional CanSat projects are effective educational tools, they often require advanced technical knowledge, limiting their accessibility. Previous CanSat programs have demonstrated remarkable success in enhancing students' engineering and teamwork skills, while also inspiring them to pursue careers in STEM.
The modified program was successfully piloted with 15 students in the XXXXX, XXXXXXX area. Survey results showed that 90% of participants reported the CanSat program helped them better understand what engineers do, increased their interest in engineering, and enabled them to envision themselves in a future STEM or engineering career. In addition, all of the participants recommended the program to others interested in STEM or space.
Beyond achieving its immediate educational goals, the program also demonstrated broader community impact, receiving coverage from three local media outlets and showcasing the potential of such initiatives to spark public interest in STEM education. Future studies will focus on expanding the CanSat program to more schools and developing a ready-to-use teacher package, enabling educators and clubs to implement the program directly in their classrooms or extracurricular activities.

Authors

Ms. Chanraksmey Lay Bucknell University [biography]

Chanraksmey (SooAh) Lay is an aspiring mechanical engineer with a passion for hands-on learning and inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders. She recently conducted a summer research project through Bucknell University program titled “Bringing Space to Classrooms: A Modified Hands-On CanSat Program for Promoting STEM Education and Career Aspirations.” Her work focuses on making space and engineering education more accessible by translating real-world satellite concepts into engaging, classroom-friendly activities for middle school through high school students.

Beyond her research, SooAh is actively involved in engineering outreach, mentorship, and student-led design initiatives. She is driven by a desire to bridge technical innovation with educational impact, particularly in communities where access to STEM opportunities is limited. Through her studies and continued involvement in aerospace-related projects, she hopes to contribute to the advancement of space technology while empowering young students to pursue futures in science and engineering.
Dr. Jude Okolie http://orcid.org/https://0000-0001-7506-551X Bucknell University [biography]

Dr. Jude Okolie is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Bucknell University, USA. He received his M.Sc. degree in Petroleum Engineering from Imperial College London, United Kingdom, in 2015, and his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Saskatchewan, Canada.

Dr. Okolie has several years of experience in teaching, research, and curriculum development at both graduate and undergraduate levels. He has taught courses including Sustainable Energy Systems and Engineering Design at the University of Oklahoma, as well as Materials Science, Data Science for Chemical Engineering, and Heat and Mass Transfer at Bucknell University. At the University of Saskatchewan, he taught Thermodynamics and Process Simulation and Control. His teaching philosophy emphasizes experiential and active learning, encouraging students to integrate critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving in addressing real-world engineering challenges.

His research interests include sustainable energy systems, carbon capture and utilization (CCU), circular economy approaches, and the upcycling of spent lithium-ion batteries into lithium orthosilicate (Li₄SiO₄) sorbent–catalyst materials for integrated CO₂ capture and syngas production. Dr. Okolie has published more than 70 papers in reputable peer-reviewed journals on topics such as techno-economic modeling of decarbonization pathways, sustainable process design, and advanced materials for CO₂ capture. His research integrates fundamental science, applied engineering, and policy analysis to advance low-carbon technologies.

Note

The full paper will be available to logged in and registered conference attendees once the conference starts on June 21, 2026, and to all visitors after the conference ends on June 24, 2026

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