ourplaceinspace.earth

What It Is

Our Place in Space is a STEAM science learning project centered on a scale model of the solar system. It is not a course platform in the traditional sense; instead, it combines public art, astronomy, AR technology, a Minecraft world, and classroom resources to help learners rethink Earth, humanity, and the solar system from the perspective of “cosmic scale.” The project is led by Nerve Centre, with artist Oliver Jeffers, scientist Professor Stephen Smartt, and a creative team involved in its design, and is part of UNBOXED: Creativity in the UK.

Core Experience

At the heart of the project is a solar system sculpture trail. The site states that the app can support an approximately 10 km scale walk through the solar system at physical exhibitions in places such as Northern Ireland and Cambridge, while also offering an at-home experience. The AR app can be used to track steps, collect space souvenirs, upload stars to the “Universe of Us,” and learn about the solar system along the way. The educational component also includes classroom learning resources, creative challenges, and a Minecraft World, making it suitable for teachers to use as a classroom activity that integrates astronomy, science, art, and technology.

Pricing and Certificates

The website does not disclose course fees, event ticket prices, or pricing for learning resources; it only states that the AR app is available on Google Play and the Apple App Store. There is also no information about accreditation or certificates, so it should not be regarded as a structured course that provides a completion certificate.

Pros and Cons

The main advantage is its creative presentation: it turns the abstract concept of the solar system’s scale into an experience that can be walked through, seen, and interacted with. The addition of AR and Minecraft also increases student engagement. The team’s background is relatively transparent, combining both artistic and scientific perspectives. The downside is the lack of course-style information, such as a clear syllabus, grade-level suitability, lesson duration, teaching assessment, and teacher support details. The offline trail is also highly location-dependent, so users in China would mainly need to rely on the website, app, or Minecraft resources for a remote experience.

Who It’s For and Access from China

It is suitable for primary and secondary school STEAM teachers, families, organizers of astronomy outreach activities, and learners who want to understand the solar system through an artistic approach. The website does not make it possible to determine access conditions from China. Since the app depends on the Apple/Google stores, network access, and location services, actual usability may be affected by the user’s device and regional environment.