The Children Science Conference is an educational project coordinated by the Cité de l’Espace that gives a voice to students aged 9 to 12. After months of research on a topic related to space and astronomy, and with the help of PhD students who visit their classrooms, students in Cycle 3 (pairs of CM2-Sixième classes) come together for a true scientific congress. Wearing badges around their necks and holding microphones in their hands, and after a presentation by a guest speaker, they take turns presenting their work and attending sessions given by other classes at the Cité de l’Espace in Toulouse.
ProjetChildren Science Conference
TargetCycle 3
PeriodSeptember 25, 2026 to June 2027
Carry out a scientific research project and take part in a true scientific conference!
This year, the Cité de l’espace is launching a new educational programme for Cycle 3 students, the “Space Challenge”. The aim is to introduce students in CM1 to 5e to the process of experimentation and prototype development.
To join the project, apply with your class before September 25, 2026, on the Cité de l’Espace website.
Two classes of the same or different levels must apply together.
Once selected, the two classes will work together to devise and propose their version of the next mission to the International Space Station.
The teams will then present their results like real researchers at a scientific conference organized by Cité de l’Espace, to be held in Toulouse in June 2026.
Going to the ISS (2025/2026)
In 2026, while French astronaut Sophie Adenot, of the European Space Agency (ESA), was on a mission aboard the International Space Station, children set their sights on the ISS. On Friday 5 June 2026, the Cité de l’espace in Toulouse hosted the 17th Children’s Science Congress. This unique event brought together nearly 300 students from the Toulouse Academy, aged between 9 and 12, for a day to present the results of collaborative projects carried out throughout the year.
This year, the conference’s sponsor, Rémi Canton, Head of Manned Spaceflight at CNES, was able to attend the presentation of the projects carried out by the students present at the event. Just as at a real scientific conference, the students presented their work, defended their findings and exchanged views with their peers.
Imagine your school on the Moon (2024/2025)
During the 2024/2025 edition, nearly 500 students took part in the 16th Children Scientific Conference organized by Cité de l’Espace. It was an opportunity for them to imagine what their school or college might look like on the Moon. To help them, the students had the opportunity to participate in workshops and meetings with PhD students and a video conference with teams from Airbus Defence and Space.
On May 23, 2025, 370 of these students were able to attend the 2025 science conference in person, with researcher Lucie Poulet as their guest of honor. They were able to present their research to their classmates and scientists and take part in various workshops on the return of humans to the Moon.
Educational resources
Numerous resources are available on the ESERO France website to provide you with the best possible support for your project.
- Download resources and activities dedicated to the “Children Scientific Conference” challenge.
- Find additionnal resources and videos related to life aboard the ISS.
The teams at ESERO France and Cité de l’espace are available to assist you throughout this project. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at esero.france@cnes.fr or education.cde@semeccel.com.
We hope to see many of you at this new edition!
