Challenger Learning Center - St. Louis
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At the Console   *

Programs


School Groups

Planets

 

Train for your mission... then blast into space!
A visit to the Challenger Learning Center is unlike any other field trip-the experiential space program offers a substantive educational program that easily integrates into existing classroom curriculum.

The school group experience consists of three components:

1. Pre-Mission Planning
Prior to the class' scheduled visit to the Challenger Learning Center, teachers participate in an in-service training program that provides an overview of the mission simulation and identifies key skills and activities necessary for a successful mission.

Teachers leave with a comprehensive curriculum aligned with Missouri and Illinois state education standards which includes four to six weeks of lesson plans to prepare students for their mission, and another one to two weeks of post-mission activities.

2. The Challenger Learning Center Experience

For students in fifth- through eigth-grade (maximum 32 students):
As part of pre-mission planning, each student is assigned to one of eight different teams that comprise the crew. Upon arriving at the Challenger Learning Center, students learn what their critical mission for the day is going to be. The group is then divided in two, with half taking their stations in Mission Control and the other half "launching" into space. Halfway through the mission, the teams exchange roles so that students can experience both Mission Control and the Space Station.

For students in Kindergarten through fourth-grade (maximum 54 students):

The two-hour Micronauts program includes the one-hour Micronauts in Orbit mission and one or two one-hour Mini Discovery classroom program(s). The Micronauts in Orbit takes place in the Challenger Learning Center's replica space station where students are engaged in hands-on activities to learn more about the planet Earth. Teachers choose one (or both) Mini Discovery programs on Spacesuits and/or Space Travel.

For more information:

Download Micronauts flyer

3. Post-Visit Activities
Even after the mission's conclusion, the learning continues! Students may conduct further analysis and discussion on data gathered during the mission, as well as develop post-flight briefings and news conferences, all of which bring real world experiences into their classroom.

 

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Discovery Classroom Programs (for students in grades 5-8)

Extend your Challenger Learning Center experience with one of these four Discovery Room options - Living and Working in Space, Spacesuits and Spacetravel, Rocketry and All about Astronauts. Each program is two-hours in length and is intended to complement the simulated space mission and creates a full-day experience for students. Download a full description of Discovery Room options

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Scout Programs

Both Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts can participate in a wide range of activities including ones that will help them earn badges. Scouts will be abe to do hands-on activities such as making and launching paper airplanes and gliders, building a model rocket, discovering Earth's satellites (man made and natural), and learning how astronauts travel to space and keep their bodies safe when they do space walks. Download program flyer (20.5k PDF file)

Download all 2007/08 Girl Scout workshop dates

Girl Scout Program Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Summer Camps

Experience an out-of-this-world summer camp experience at one or more of the Challenger Learning Center's Summer Space Adventures! Dates, cost and other details for the 2007 season will be available in late fall.


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Community Groups

Sun Flare

 

Community groups are welcome to participate in programs at the Challenger Learning Center. The program includes a short mission training session, a the two-hour mission simulation, and post-visit activities. The program requires a group of 16-30 participants. Advanced reservations are required.

 

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Corporate Groups

Planet Earth

 

The Challenger Learning Center-St. Louis offers a unique corporate program designed to promote teamwork, problem-solving, decision-making and communication skills. By participating in a hands-on, innovative, simulated space mission, employees and employers will face the same challenges and problems encountered by astronauts in space.

Program Overview

Option 1: Simulated space mission only

  • Number of participants: 14-30
  • Program length: 2 1/2 hours
  • Cost: $750

Spend two hours in state-of-the-art space simulation environments and complete either the Voyage to Mars™ or Rendezvous with a Comet™ mission. Both missions include a briefing session and a facilitated discussion of how to apply what's been learned to the working environment.

Option 2: Simulated space mission and additional team-building activities

  • Number of participants: 14-30
  • Program length: 3 1/2 hours
  • Cost: $950

Spend two hours in one of the simulated space missions listed in Option 1, plus participate in additional team-building and communication activities. Meals/light refreshments can be provided at an additional cost.

Option 3: Full-day program

  • Number of participants: 14-30
  • Program length: 6 hours
  • Cost: $1500

Experience a full day at the Challenger Learning Center. Participate in one of the simulated space missions listed in Option 1, plus four hours of additional hands-on activities such as rocket building that will enhance communication and teamwork skills. Meals can be provided at an additional cost.

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General Public

Earth

 

Public missions are available on a periodic basis. The program includes a short mission training session and a two-hour simulated space mission.  View our calendar to see what date works best for you!

Program Overview

 

  • Brief training session
  • 2-hour mission
  • Cost: $12/person
  • Recommended for ages 11 and up

When available, dates for Public Missions are posted on our Calendar.

(NOTE: public missions are subject to cancellation if there are fewer than 14 people signed up.  Participants will be notified of any cancellation.)

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Birthday Parties

Have a cosmic birthday celebration at the Challenger Learning Center!

This two-hour program includes a mini-mission, a private room, cake, invitations and other far-out festivities. Recommended for ages 6 and up.

Call (314) 521-6205 or click here for more information .


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Challenger Learning Center

Challenger Learning Center-St. Louis
205 Brotherton Lane
St. Louis, MO 63135
info@clcstlouis.org | (314) 521-6205