Stellar Careers is a classroom-ready card game designed to introduce children to a wide variety of careers within the space industry. Developed through Cardiff University’s Planet Hoppers project, this engaging and inclusive game brings real-world space roles to life, featuring astronauts, engineers, data scientists, and mission planners. Following the success of Star Sailors, Stellar Careers was created with support from the UK Space Agency to highlight the diversity of people and professions that make space exploration possible. It’s a powerful tool for educators seeking to broaden students’ understanding of STEM careers in a fun and accessible way.
Why Educators Should Use Stellar careers
CAREER-FOCUSED AND CROSS-CURRICULAR
Stellar Careers is perfect for lessons in science, PSHE, and careers education, encouraging students to explore the STEM ecosystem beyond stereotypical roles.
DESIGNED FOR INCLUSION
The game features a diverse range of characters and roles, carefully curated to represent gender and ethnic diversity, helping underrepresented pupils see themselves in STEM fields and raising awareness of lesser-known yet vital space industry careers.
DEVELOPED WITH EDUCATIONAL EXPERTISE
Created through collaboration between astronomers, educators, social scientists, and graphic designers. Stellar Careers was informed by feedback from classroom trials and co-designed with experienced teachers for real-world practicality.
INSPIRES CURIOSITY AND DISCUSSION
Trialled with pupils from Year 5 to Year 8, Stellar Careers generated high levels of engagement.
74% of pupils said they enjoyed learning about space careers.
Many discovered job roles they had never heard of before.
Teachers described the game as “fun but educational” and “great for encouraging discussion.”
SUPPORT FOR TEACHERS
DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCES, including classroom activity plans, discussion prompts, and follow-up project ideas, support Stellar Careers. Materials that align with the Curriculum for Wales and are easy to integrate into science, careers, and even literacy lessons.
How Stellar Careers Works
Each card represents a person working in the space sector, highlighting:
Their job title and role description.
Key attributes, such as skills, qualifications, and missions, are supported.
Additional facts to spark conversation and deeper learning.
The card game can be used in conjunction with Mission Bingo, offering flexibility for an extended game that encourages players to associate their crew members with the relevant space mission.
BROADER IMPACT
Part of the Planet Hoppers initiative, Stellar Careers supports STFC’s Wonder Initiative by targeting schools in socio-economically disadvantaged areas. It helps broaden career horizons, challenge stereotypes, and foster a more diverse future generation of space scientists and engineers.
Looking to open your pupils’ eyes to the universe of space careers?
Stellar Careers is the perfect launchpad, educational, inclusive, and inspiring, helping your students dream big and discover where they might belong in the space sector.