What Students Gain from Our Study Tours?
+Learning Beyond the Classroom
Our study tours help students learn by doing. Instead of only learning from textbooks, students experience science, technology, and real-world environments firsthand. These experiences make learning more meaningful, memorable, and relevant to everyday life.
+Growing Skills for School and Life
Travelling and learning together helps students build confidence, independence, and responsibility. Along the way, students develop important skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability, which can support success at school and beyond.
Space & Earth Research Expedition: Small Satellite Conference & Yellowstone
Practical Science Laboratory offers students the opportunity to attend the Small Satellite Conference (SmallSat) in Salt Lake City, Utah. The conference is usually held in August each year. It is one of the world’s leading gatherings for small satellite research, innovation, and mission design. With more than 4000 attendees, this prestigious event attracts industry experts, researchers, and university teams from across the globe. It is an invaluable experience for students to engage with cutting-edge satellite technology and space research.
During the conference, our students may also have the chance to present and publish a conference paper, showcasing their own work and ideas to an international audience. This provides not only professional exposure but also a platform to contribute meaningfully to the global aerospace community.
To balance the intensity of the academic and technical sessions, the trip concludes with an unforgettable excursion to Yellowstone National Park. This experience allows students to explore one of the most iconic natural landscapes in the United States, blending scientific inspiration with the awe of nature.
The SmallSat trip is both a professional milestone and a personal journey — expanding knowledge, building networks, and fostering the spirit of innovation.
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New Zealand Aerospace Summit Trip 2026
In 2026, Practical Science Laboratory will proudly take a group of students to the New Zealand Aerospace Summit, the country’s premier gathering of aerospace professionals, innovators, and policymakers. This unique opportunity will allow students to connect classroom learning with real-world advancements in aerospace technology and research. We will take you to the frontier of research and explain the technology in words high school students can easily understand.
By engaging directly with industry leaders, attending keynote sessions, and exploring the latest innovations, our students will gain firsthand insight into the future of space exploration and aviation. Beyond knowledge, this experience will inspire them to see themselves as future contributors to New Zealand’s growing aerospace sector and global scientific community.
The summit represents not only an educational experience but also a stepping stone toward building confidence, networks, and pathways for young people passionate about aerospace and satellite technology.