Challenger Learning Center Brings Space to the Classroom

There is a great organization in Colorado Springs that allows K-12 classrooms to experience all the wonders of space including simulators and interactive activities. The Challenger Learning Center of Colorado gives students hands-on opportunities to learn about space while integrating the educational requirements of science, math, technology, geography, and more.

The activities at the the Learning Center, created in memory of the space shuttle Challenger, allows students to plan missions to go to the moon or even Mars. Students can be part of a space mission crew using the Mission Control Center modeled after the one at NASA’s Johnson Space Center or hop aboard as astronauts on a Space Shuttle. They may be interested in being mission controllers aboard a spacecraft or space station simulator.

There are projects that all grade levels can work on to help them further understand space exploration and the space environment. Elementary age students can create plans for establishing a lunar base that will allow cosmic exploration on the moon. Middle school students must figure out ways to overcome environment concerns and any emergencies on a Mars mission. High school students can even earn college credit by applying science to plan ways to protect the International Space Station from solar flares and radiation.

What a great motivational way to get students involved using hands-on exciting activities that allows kids to learn about and explore space. Not only do the students utilize reading, math, and science skills, but this center gives students the opportunities to apply critical thinking, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Don't worry if you don't live in Colorado Springs, there are Challenger Learning Centers all over the country and there is also a distance learning option to offer interactive e-missions via broadband video all over the world! So, get your students out there exploring the Final Frontier!