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What is the Challenger Center Mission Simulator?
It is a high technology space flight simulator consisting of mission control area and an operations deck of a space station where students experience on-site missions. In mission control they gather information sent to them from the astronauts in space station. Halfway through the mission the groups change places and roles. The simulation builds career awareness, emphasizes communication, teamwork, group problem solving, and decision making. Can only science teachers and their students participate?
The Challenger Learning Center experience has implications for all subject areas at the middle school level. All teachers can profit from the experience. It provides an excellent opportunity for team building among both students and teachers. What kind of teacher and student preparation is required?
One day of teacher in-service training, provided by Challenger Learning Center for the purpose of student preparation, is REQUIRED prior to attending a mission. The cost of training one teacher is included in the mission simulation cost of $625. This training will include instruction in the use of the curriculum Challenger Learning Center provides for preparing students for their spaceflight simulation mission, as well as curriculum for follow-up activities. Teachers near other Challenger Learning Centers tell us that the training and materials are actually great time-savers as well as teaching enhancements. Who may schedule school-based missions?
Only authorized school personnel can schedule a school-based mission. Because of the requirement that teachers participate in a full-day in-service program, we ask that the school administration determine whether teachers will participate in the teacher training component on Saturday or during the school day. Contact the Center for a schedule of in-service days. School systems are responsible for providing transportation to the Challenger Learning Center. When can school missions be scheduled?
Missions should be scheduled approximately two months after the teacher in-service training to allow adequate time to prepare students for the mission. Missions can be scheduled for 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM during the school day. How long do schools spend at the Challenger Center?
The mission itself is 1.5 hours. With the briefing and debriefing sessions the total experience lasts 2.5 hours. What grades can participate?
The program has proven effective with students from fifth to eighth grade. It is not appropriate for students below the fifth grade. It is adaptable for high school and college students where a particular focus is usually emphasized. What if my school is interested in participating but cannot afford the cost?
For most schools the per student cost is about $20. The Challenger Center can make recommendations to schools for finding corporate organizational sponsors, and can provide support materials for fundraising efforts. Can only schools participate?
Mission simulations are available to community groups and businesses. Unlike school missions, which are one part of an 6-week program involving math and science instruction, mission simulations for community and business groups focus on developing the teamwork skills needed for a successful mission. What is the cost of non-school missions?
The cost is $625 per group of 18 to 32 for the 2.5-hour experience.
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