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School Visits: Challenger Learning Center

Imagination and education take flight at our Challenger Learning Center. Inside the Center, groups of 16 to 32 students in grades 5 and up become crew members on a simulated space mission. Excitement builds as they explore Mars, launch a probe through the tail of a comet, or return to the moon.

Crew members must solve real-life problems in math, science, and technology to successfully complete their mission. Most importantly, they MUST work as a team – both in the simulation and in planned activities before and after the mission. Each team is critical, and the success of the mission is dependent upon the work of all teams. The two-hour simulation takes place in a realistic mock-up of a futuristic spacecraft and mission control room.

Students are assigned to one of eight teams: communication, data, navigation, medical, remote, life support, isolation or probe.

Teacher Workshops

Teacher preparation is critical to both mission types. Teachers attend a full-day training session where they fly a mission (either in the simulator or electronically) and receive a curriculum package that is used to prepare their class. Both pre- and post-activities are included in the curriculum. The Challenger Learning Center mission experiences have been aligned with the California State Standards.  

Adult Programs

Team building for your teacher, corporate or other adult group can be fun and scientific. Schedule a mission for your group in the Challenger Learning Center for a powerful team building exercise.

Reservation Information for School Missions

School and youth group missions include curriculum package, pre- and post-visit classroom activities, introductory videotape, and a one-day training workshop for one teacher or group leader.

Please note: The school missions fill up quickly. Please call now, to book your mission for our academic year.

Age Level:	Students, grades 5 and up
Group Size:	16 - 32 students
Mission Length:	two and half hours
Cost:	$600.00 per group per mission
Mission Hours:	Wednesday-Friday: 9 – 11:30 am; 12:15- 2:45 pm. Evenings and Saturdays by request. Please call (510) 336-7381 for further information.

Open Court Reading science topic: Grade 5
 

Scheduling:

Reservations are required. Download a reservation request form (requires Adobe Acrobat, available free from Adobe) or call (510) 336-7381 if you have questions. 

 

Teachers must complete a one-day training workshop 4 – 8 weeks prior to students’ mission. Schedule the teacher training date when you make a mission reservation. Review teacher workshop dates.

 

Payment:

Payment is due four weeks prior to mission date. School or District purchase orders are acceptable.

 

Confirmation:

A confirmation letter will be sent, along with information regarding parking, arrival and departure times, etc.

 

Cancellations:

Cancellations must be received at least two weeks before scheduled mission. There will be no refunds for cancellations less than two weeks prior to the mission. Rescheduling requests will be accommodated if space is available.

The Challenger Learning Center also offers programs for corporate groups and the general public, as well as teacher workshops and classroom-based programs.

Challenger Center for Space Science Education is a global not-for-profit education organization created in 1986 by the families of the astronauts tragically lost during the last flight of the Challenger Space Shuttle. Dedicated to the educational spirit of that mission, Challenger Center develops Learning Centers and other education programs worldwide to continue the mission to engage students in science and math education.

Reservations & Information: (510) 336-7381 or clc@chabotspace.org.