Q: What is training?
A: Our training day for teachers consists of a full day of exciting curriculum enhancements that teachers use to prepare their students for a visit to our Challenger Learning Center. Teachers play the role of students as they get engaged in a simulated "space mission". Teachers walk away with an understanding of the benefits of educational simulations and how students can be "turned on" to math and science through our programs as well as an arm full of curriculum supplements they can use to "prepare" their students for their "space mission."


Q: What is a CLC?
A: The Challenger Learning Center at Wheeling Jesuit University is part of a growing network of centers nationwide that have been established by the Challenger Center for Space Science Education in memory of the ill-fated Challenger Space Shuttle. Born out of tragedy and with the purpose of continuing the mission of the crew, the Challenger Learning Center is a unique hands-on learning experience designed to foster interest in math, science and technology education.

Q: What will students do at the CLC?
A: Challenger Learning Center participants are Mission Specialists selected to serve on one of eight critical teams necessary for the success of the mission. From Operations Deck of the Space Station, to the rows of monitors at Mission Control, teamwork is essential.

Q: What is the typical agenda like?
A: The typical day is either a two hour or a four hour mission.  If you choose the two hour program, you will only do the mission.  However, if you choose the four hour mission, you will experience one hour and fifteen minutes of hands-on classroom experiments, a forty-five minute lunch break, and return to a two hour mission.
 
Q: How to I get to the CLC at WJU?
A: Visit our Directions page.
 
Q: How do I book a mission?
A: Visit our Book a Mission page.
 



Off-Site FAQ’s

Q: What kind of technology support do we have?
A: Two weeks before the video conference, the teacher will be contacted by a person of our tech department, who will provide all of the guidance needed in order to assure the success of the video conference.

Q: What kind of systems do we need for the video conference?
A: You can get the list of the requirements for e-Mission: Operation Montserrat at http://clc.wju.edu/om/teacher/missionprep/t_computersetup.html

The requirements for e-Mission: Space Station Alpha are basically the same.

Q: How do we use Distance Learning to educate?
A: We use technology to provide students and teachers an opportunity to experience the excitement and educational experience of a CLC without having to travel to one. Our eMissions give students the opportunity to act like real scientists in a problem based scenario. The package consists of two days of teacher training; curriculum aligned with national and state standards and a live event where students link live to our CLC and "role play" through a simulated space mission.


Q: How do I book an e-Mission?
A: Visit our Book an Mission page.