From LEGO® robotics and AI-powered flowerpots to visits to the iconic Nice Observatory, the International School of Nice (ISN) is taking a hands-on approach to science, sustainability and technology education on the French Riviera. Riviera Edition spoke with MEGHAN HONEYSETT – Grade 5 Teacher, STEAM Coordinator and HPL Coordinator at ISN – about the school’s ambitious Space Centre initiative, the importance of preparing children for jobs that may not yet exist, and why she believes the Côte d’Azur offers a uniquely inspiring environment for young learners.
Meghan studied at the University of Exeter in England, gaining a BSc in Psychology and an MEd in Special Educational Needs, before beginning her teaching career with the charity Teach First in Hastings, and then moving on to an international career in Nice.
Having now lived on the Riviera for nearly a decade, Meghan says she has “fallen in love with the scenery and the endless opportunities for nature and exploration that this region offers.”
1. When did the Space Centre begin at ISN? It feels wonderfully ambitious for a school setting – what was the original vision behind creating it, and how does it change the way students engage with science?
The Space Centre was introduced at ISN in September 2024. It serves as the hub for our Lego Education and STEAM initiatives.
Inspired by the pioneering facility at PASCAL Private School Larnaka and the Globeducate Hi!Ai projects, the vision was to move beyond theory to provide a hands-on environment where science becomes a universal language.
It changes how students engage with science by making it tangible; whether they are using 3D printers or building LEGO® Education robots, they learn to solve complex challenges through prototyping and play.
We also bring global missions like Artemis into the classroom to show students the direct impact of space exploration.
For example, in our Grade 2 ‘How The World World’ Unit ‘To infinity and beyond’, students investigate how astronauts amass information about our solar system.
2. Does being on the French Riviera have any advantages for students? For instance, are there visits to the Nice Observatory as part of the lessons?
Our location is a massive advantage.
We enrich our curriculum with many visits in the local area, including Nice Observatory and Astorama. These trips allow students to engage with professional researchers and the region’s rich scientific heritage.
Standing in a world-class observatory right here on the Côte d’Azur makes the study of Earth and Universe sciences incredibly real and inspiring.
3. How early are students introduced to topics like space science and artificial intelligence? How does ISN make these subjects accessible / exciting for young students?
We introduce these themes from the very beginning. Students as young as three in Early Years use Lego as a fundamental tool for hands-on learning.
We make AI exciting through our Hi!Ai Flowerpot—a friendly robot with an expressive LED face that speaks seven languages.
We teach digital literacy and citizenship through our Essentials programme, ensuring students are responsible and ethical digital citizens as well as tech-savvy learners.
4. Are there any students who plan to have careers in space-related fields, or is this more preparing them for being comfortable working with technology?
Our Space Centre isn’t just a room; it serves as a vital link within the international Globeducate network, allowing our students to collaborate on global projects in real-time, ensuring innovation is woven into the very fabric of our IB curriculum.
We certainly have students with their sights set on space-related careers or roles in green technology, but our primary focus is on developing High Performance Learners who have a high level of technological fluency.
Whether they eventually work in science, business, or the arts, being comfortable with tech tools and having the confidence to be creative and innovative is essential for their future success.
5. There’s a lot of talk about preparing children for ‘jobs that don’t exist yet’ – how do programmes like Hi!Ai actually translate into real-world skills?
Programmes like Hi!Ai and our Grade 5 “Tech Tok” unit translate directly into workplace skills. They foster logical thinking and creative problem-solving.
By mirroring real-world project management—with roles like “Technical Specialists” and “Environmental Champions”—we prepare students for the collaborative, agile nature of modern professional life.
6. Please tell us a little about the Flowerpot mission and how it combines AI with sustainability. What was the thinking behind linking those two themes together?
The Hi!Ai Flowerpot mission is a pioneering “Green AI” initiative that serves as a cornerstone of our STEAM curriculum.
The core philosophy behind linking AI with sustainability is to move technology beyond abstract coding and show students its potential for positive social and environmental impact.
By using a robot with an expressive LED face that shows emotions like joy and encouragement, we tap into the students’ natural empathy. When they see the robot respond “happily” to positive environmental data, they build a genuine bond with the mission.
This emotional connection fosters a sense of responsibility that translates into better care for the planet.
The mission is highly collaborative and involves different student “roles” that mirror real-world professional environments:
- Environmental Champions: Our younger students act as advocates, writing essays on conservation and taking the lead on naming their robots through democratic voting.
- Innovation Architects: Students participate in the Eco-Build Challenge, where they design and construct sustainable homes for their robots using recycled or natural materials
- Technical Specialists: Older students take on the coding, ensuring the robot can provide educational facts about sustainability in seven different languages, making the project truly international.
Ultimately, the thinking is to prove that as we move into an automated future, our technological advancement must be used to protect and sustain our natural world. Our Hi!Ai Flowerpot ‘Eco Buddy’ helps us to do just that!
7. Are there any national or international gatherings or competitions that your students take part in each year?
Our students are very active on both the local and international stage.
A major highlight is the annual Globeducate Robotics Challenge, where our teams have the exciting option to participate live in Paris or compete virtually from our very own Space Centre.
This challenge pushes their coding and engineering skills to the limit as they collaborate with peers from across the global Globeducate network.
We are also incredibly proud of our participation in Junk Kouture, a high-profile international competition that challenges students to create high-fashion designs entirely from recycled materials.
This perfectly bridges the gap between the arts and environmental science, requiring students to be both creative designers and sustainable engineers.
Locally, we hold our own Science Fairs and Art Vernissages, giving students a platform to showcase their talent—from hydroponic gardens to digital art—to the wider Côte d’Azur community.
All of these events give students a platform to showcase their talent and find their voices as confident, international advocates for innovation and sustainability on the Côte d’Azur.
BOOK A VISIT TO ISN – click here: Learn more about ISN’s Space Centre and other programmes; and discover its vibrant international community and passionate teachers with a visit to the school.
