Challenger Learning Center of Maine

The Challenger Learning Center of Maine offers simulation of space missions to fourth through tenth grade students. Merging the power of imagination with the joy of discovery, students become engineers and scientists as they experience the excitement of space exploration in these simulations. Students work as teams in mission control and aboard a space station as they test their decision-making skills, solve problems, and communicate with one another during this innovative science and math lesson. Teachers prepare students using both pre- and post-flight activities that integrate the experience into traditional classroom instruction.

The Challenger Learning Center of Maine curently offers "Rendezvous with a Comet", "Orbit the Moon", "Return to the Moon" and "Encounter Earth."

Wondering what a Mission's like?

Check out the video Nokomis students made!

School Missions:

Rendezvous with a Comet Grades 5-10

In the not-too-distant future a team of scientists and engineers are serving as astronauts and mission controllers on a daring exploration of comets. Their goal is to successfully plot a course to rendezvous with a comet and launch a probe to collect scientific data on the object. What may seem to be a routine exploration is sprinkled with lots of surprises and emergencies, giving students first-hand insight into teamwork and problem-solving.

Rendezvous With A Comet is similar to NASA's STARDUST program which launched in February 1999 and will return in 2006. NASA's DEEP IMPACT program also has some great connections to this scenario.

» Now booking!

Encounter Earth grades 6-10

A Low Earth Orbiting Satellite (LEO) has malfunctioned and must be replaced. The elite Emergency Response Squad, ERS-1, has been called in to construct a new satellite, deploy the satellite, and retrieve important data about the Earth and its environment. Join in this mission to collect data, avert disasters on Earth, and learn about the intricate relationships of Earth's atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, ecosphere, and geo-sphere as you Encounter Earth.

This scenario is a great introduction to a year of Earth Science!

Return to the Moon grades 6-8

The year is 2015. For the first time since 1972, a crew of astronauts is returning to the Moon.
This time, they plan to stay. Their mission is to establish a permanent base on the Moon to observe and explore, as well
as test the feasibility of off-Earth settlements. Navigating their way into lunar orbit, students must construct and launch
a probe, and analyze a variety of data gathered from the lunar surface to select a site for establishing the permanent
Moon base.

Orbit the Moon (mini mission) grades 4-5

The year is 2012. In preparation for the astronauts return to the moon in 2015, the team of scientists must work as a team to complete scientific research to ensure success for later missions.

 » Now booking!

Call for mission details, available dates and times. 990-2900 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Visit our wikispaces, www.clccomet.wikispaces.com; www.clcearth.wikispaces.com; www.clcmoon.wikispaces.com

Public Programs

The Expanding Your Understanding (EYU) Series is an on-going bi-monthly set of forums for the general public.

The purpose of the series is to raise awareness about the science of our daily lives and to help people of all ages and interests think scientifically.

During 2009 many
of EYU topics will correlate with the
International
Year of Astronomy (IYA) themes

Summer Programs

Our Summer Programs offer unique opportunities to area students who may not have visited the Center through their schools. Students attend a week-long, full-day Summer Program and experience the same educational and experiential benefits as our school missions.

Teacher Workshops

At CLCofMe, we offer two different types of Teacher Workshops:

• For Upcoming Missions:
  Teachers planning to take a class on a mission must attend one of our Teacher Workshops to maximize the benefits of the mission experience.
• For General Experience:
  Teachers may also participate in science education professional development workshops offered throughout the year.  Contact Annette Brickley for details, 990-2900 x2.

Team Building and Corporate Missions

CLCofMe offers unique, exciting Team Building Missions designed for area businesses to impart the lessons of fun and teamwork to their staff. Team Building Missions make full use of our mission control center and work together as a team to complete the mission.