Student Missions

What is a Space Mission?

Onboard astronauts in our Space Station Simulator work with their counterparts in our
Mission Control Simulator to fly a simulated space mission.

Through a combination of standard-aligned STEM content, immersive technology,
real science data, and hands-on activities, students engage in
a high-tech simulation environment.

The unique setting promotes immersion, collaborative problem solving, communication
and teamwork, while reinforcing relevance to STEM concepts taught In the classroom.

For school groups:

Each mission includes...

2 hour student mission for the whole class
Missions can be combined with planetarium programming or visits to other historical or cultural venues
4 hours of teacher in-service training
Pre and post classroom materials specially designed to prepare students for each mission

Long before coming to the center, teachers may attend an in-service professional development program, in which they receive preparatory materials for classroom use before and after their mission.

Interactive Learning Experience

Flying a mission is not only fun, but it's also a great exercise for the development of Problem Solving, Team-work, Math, Science, Art and Technology Process Skills. Mission activities are also based on curriculum aligned with New York State Learning Standards.

A space simulation for young people in grades 5 and higher and other non-school groups.
A standards based program where Individuals work as a team performing jobs that mirror science & technology in real world careers.
Individuals assume the role of a mission specialist operating a space station and mission control and must keep the crew safe while facing various problems and challenges.

CLC Missions support NY State STEAM curriculum standards by encouraging:

Asking Questions and Defining Problems
Planning and Carrying Out Investigations
Analyzing and Interpreting Data
Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
A Culture of Inquiry

NYS Education Standards
in Simulated Space Missions

NGSS in space missions

Available Missions

Expedition Mars
Rendezvous with Comet Halley

Coming Soon

Lunar Quest
Earth Odyssey

The Mars scenario:

The year is 2076. A handful of facilities have been established on Mars. The primary human habitat is not on Mars, but on one of its moons, Phobos. The Mars Transport Vehicle (MTV), carries parts to build a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to continue the search for the evidence of life and water.

Mars Info Packet

The Comet scenario:

The year is 2061 and Comet Halley is making its closest approach to Earth since 1986. As it passes, crew are given the rare opportunity to study the comet from an Earth-orbiting space station and obtain valuable scientific data.

PRE-MISSION TRAINING AND SUPPORT
In advance of visiting a Center, teachers can receive training and lessons designed to prepare their students for the Mission. Classroom activities and content emphasize the importance of teamwork and communication, and teachers can help students understand key concepts critical to achieve success. Students learn about all the roles and responsibilities of each team and apply for the job they believe would best fit their skills.

CLASSROOM CONNECTIONS
Teachers can be provided with resources to help extend the Challenger Center experience into the classroom. Students can discuss and reflect on data gathered during the Mission, conduct post-flight briefings, stage news conferences, write reports, and discuss the various STEM careers they were exposed to during the Mission.

***We are a COSER for Orleans/Niagara, and Erie 1 BOCES***

Space Missions can be (mostly) reimbursed through BOCES.
Ask BOCES about reimbursement, or CoSer information.