Microsoft and Netflix partner to teach data science and coding with "Over the Moon" character Fei Fei

This summer, Microsoft launched the Global Skills Initiative aimed at helping 25 million people worldwide acquire new digital skills. And since that announcement, they’ve helped 10 million people gain skills to better navigate digital transformation.

In a recent initiative, they have created a story-driven partnership with the leading creator, Netflix. In the past, they have partnered with NASA, “Wonder Woman 1984” and the Smithsonian Learning Labs. Now, they will feature a young female hero who has a passion for science. She is empowered by her intelligence to explore space! Inspired by the new Netflix Original, “Over the Moon,” Microsoft has, thus, launched three new Learn modules. They will guide learners through beginning concepts in data science, machine learning and artificial intelligence.

The new Explore Space with “Over the Moon” learning path includes three parts:

• Plan a Moon Mission using the Python Pandas Library. Like Fei Fei, use data to plan your own mission to the moon. Ensure your rocket can not only get you there but also bring you and all your moon rocks safely back to Earth. Further, analyze and visualize datasets with common data cleansing practices.

• Predict Meteor Showers using Python and VC Code. Build a machine learning prediction model after cleansing a space-themed dataset on meteor showers. Incorporate Chang’e’s potential affects on meteor showers for an added complexity.

• Use AI to Recognize Objects in Images using Azure Custom Vision – Repurposing the camera on the lunar rover, search through the moon’s surface for Fei Fei’s buddy Bungee before it’s time to head back to Earth. Use Azure Custom Vision to classify pictures of animals without ever writing code.

These modules utilize Visual Studio Code and Azure Cognitive Services. So, learners walk away with practical skills for the careers of tomorrow. Though “Over the Moon” features a young hero, the storyline and technical learning aspect has broad appeal for upskilling professionals and post-secondary students alike. Some coding skills are recommended but not required to progress.

Talking about the development, Magno Herran, head of UCAN Marketing Partnerships, Netflix said,

“Netflix is excited to partner with Microsoft to bring some of the challenges of space travel that Fei Fei overcame in ‘Over The Moon’ to life with real-world technical application in this new Microsoft Learn path.”

The movie revolves around a young girl Fei Fei who wishes to build a rocket to the moon on a mission to prove the existence of a legendary moon goddess.