• Former NASA astronaut Dr Jim Reilly visits new Scitech exhibition, Planet Pioneers
• After Perth, the exhibition will head straight to the NASA science centre
• State STEM Strategy to provide a framework to prepare our kids for the jobs of the future

Science Minister Dave Kelly has welcomed scientist and former NASA astronaut, Dr Jim Reilly to launch Scitech's new feature exhibition - Planet Pioneers.
 
Planet Pioneers features 17 hands-on exhibits and challenges visitors to drive a Surface Exploration Vehicle, experience G-Force in a spinning capsule, fly a virtual drone, grow space potatoes and more.
 
The Minister joined Dr Reilly as he visited the new exhibition, which has already secured NASA's interest and will be heading straight to the NASA science centre for four months in Houston, Texas.
 
Today's visit included an exclusive presentation by Dr Reilly to a selection of aviation aligned metropolitan and regional high school students, and emphasised the importance of preparing children for the jobs of the future by improving STEM education in Western Australia.
 
Comments attributed to Science Minister Dave Kelly:
 
"It was fantastic to have former NASA astronaut Dr Jim Reilly in Perth today to inspire school students to dream big.
 
"This exhibition comes at an exciting time as the Commonwealth Government recently announced it would like to create a national space agency.
 
"It also highlights the importance of our kids engaging with STEM subjects to prepare them for the jobs of the future.
 
"Earlier this year, the State Government delivered on an election commitment to form a STEM advisory panel which is focused on developing a State STEM Strategy."