Challenger Learning Center@WU information:

  • The Challenger Learning Center is under construction! 
  • We are in the process of constructing a completely new simulator and educational spaces.
  • Please check back for updates.

 

  Christa’s Lost Lessons found here! 

 

New Mission – Onsite (Grades 4-12)

NASA recently launched a Rover (ROV) to the Moon to explore new areas and collect critical scientific data. However, the ROV lost power before any of the findings were sent back to Earth. A faster and more reliable process to gather this type of information is needed. The result is a new directive from NASA – human astronauts will return to the Moon!

A team of astronauts must board a Spacecraft and launch to the Moon in search of a long-term habitat on the Moon. A team of scientists and engineers are stationed in Mission Control on Earth to command and assist the astronauts. Once the Spacecraft crew successfully lands on the Moon, they must deploy a Lunar Exploration ROV to identify a suitable location for a sustainable long-term human habitat.

However, when the crew receives troubling readings from below the Moon’s surface, the two teams must work together and make critical decisions to turn a potential catastrophe into NASA’s finest hour!

Micronauts (Grades K-3)

With the addition of the Micronauts program, our Challenger Learning Center has opened its airlock doors to space adventures for students in grades K-3. With their natural curiosity and excitement about space and space travel, these students are the perfect age for an awe-inspiring learning experience. Students begin their mission in our planetarium as we travel 230 miles above Earth to the International Space Station As we dock with the space station, students step inside our one-of-a-kind Micronauts simulator. There they become astronauts and scientists for the day as they conduct a series of innovative, standards-based, hands-on activities and experiments. This endeavor challenges students to learn principals of science, math, engineering, and important early messages about cooperation and problem solving—all while having fun! The Micronauts program is a unique opportunity designed to provide you and your students an unforgettable encounter with space, science, and technology. Book a mission here.

 Distance Learning (Grades K-12)

Crew of Challenger STS-51-L

Hover over or tap any of the images below to learn about the Challenger astronauts.



Francis R. “Dick” Scobee
Commander
Dick Scobee was born May 19, 1939, in Cle Elum, WA. After high school he enlisted in the Air Force and was eventually stationed at Kelly Air Force Base in Texas. While there he attended night school to earn college credit and eventually graduated from the University of Arizona with a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering. After a tour of duty in Vietnam, Scobee returned to the United States and attended the USAF Aerospace Research Pilot School. He was selected as an astronaut candidate in 1978 and later qualified as a pilot for future space shuttle flight crews. He first went to space in 1984, serving as pilot and second in command of the Challenger STS 41-C crew. He then was selected as commander of the Challenger STS 51-L crew. During his career he logged more than 7,000 hours flying time in 45 types of aircrafts. This total includes 168 hours in space. His hobbies included flying, oil painting, motorcycling, and many outdoor sports. He was survived his wife, June, and their two children, Kathie Scobee Fulgham and Richard Scobee.

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