Challenger Learning Center
Southeastern Connecticut
A Challenger Learning Center school mission is the
culmination of four to six weeks of intense classroom
preparation. Through the Challenger Learning Center
experience, students will develop leadership,
communication, problem-solving and critical thinking skills
while supporting state and national standards of improving
science, math and technology education.
Professional Development
Professional development for educators is a vital component of the Challenger Learning Center experience. Teachers are required to attend a one-day workshop that provides them with the tools needed to enhance the students' mission experience at the Challenger Learning Center. It is suggested that educators begin preparing their students 4-6 weeks prior to mission day. All curriculum is aligned with the standards of Connecticut and Rhode Island
Each summer a variety of workshops will be offered to educators. The new teacher workshop will be designed for educators who have never brought a group to the CLC, this day will include participating in a mission and learning about the logistics of bringing the students to the center. Returning teacher workshops will change each summer and always include ways to enhance the Challenger Learning Center curriculum with new ideas and activities.
Summer professional development dates will be available each spring upon the opening of the Center.
Pre-Mission Activities
Students will spend four to six weeks in of classroom time preparing for their mission using the provided CLC curriculum. The curriculum, developed by teachers and for teachers, features ready-to-use classroom lessons and activities. This curriculum is aligned with the national science and math Standards and helps to satisfy over 60 Illinois Learning Standards in science, mathematics, language arts and social studies.
The Mission
After a briefing session, students will be split into two groups. Half will work as astronauts in the Space Station simulator while the others work as support crew in the Mission Control simulator. Midway through the mission, students will switch places so that everyone experiences both environments.
Post-Mission Activities
Upon returning to the classroom, students will spend an additional one to two weeks analyzing mission data, drawing conclusions and reflecting upon the experience. Classes may extend the CLC experience by visiting a planetarium, observatory or aviation museum in their home area.
Professional Development
Professional development for educators is a vital component of the Challenger Learning Center experience. Teachers are required to attend a one-day workshop that provides them with the tools needed to enhance the students' mission experience at the Challenger Learning Center. It is suggested that educators begin preparing their students 4-6 weeks prior to mission day. All curriculum is aligned with the standards of Connecticut and Rhode Island
Each summer a variety of workshops will be offered to educators. The new teacher workshop will be designed for educators who have never brought a group to the CLC, this day will include participating in a mission and learning about the logistics of bringing the students to the center. Returning teacher workshops will change each summer and always include ways to enhance the Challenger Learning Center curriculum with new ideas and activities.
Summer professional development dates will be available each spring upon the opening of the Center.
Pre-Mission Activities
Students will spend four to six weeks in of classroom time preparing for their mission using the provided CLC curriculum. The curriculum, developed by teachers and for teachers, features ready-to-use classroom lessons and activities. This curriculum is aligned with the national science and math Standards and helps to satisfy over 60 Illinois Learning Standards in science, mathematics, language arts and social studies.
The Mission
After a briefing session, students will be split into two groups. Half will work as astronauts in the Space Station simulator while the others work as support crew in the Mission Control simulator. Midway through the mission, students will switch places so that everyone experiences both environments.
Post-Mission Activities
Upon returning to the classroom, students will spend an additional one to two weeks analyzing mission data, drawing conclusions and reflecting upon the experience. Classes may extend the CLC experience by visiting a planetarium, observatory or aviation museum in their home area.