School Groups
Inspiring the next generation of innovators through transformational space-themed experiences.
Our immersive space mission simulations and discovery workshops take place at the Challenger Learning Center. Other programs, including our portable planetarium and classroom-based activities, can come to your school.
Space Mission Simulations
We offer space mission simulations for students from kindergarten through high school. Missions are broken down by recommended age and grades below.
Junior Astronaut Programs (Ages 6 to 10)
Junior Astronauts is a two-part program that includes a simulated space mission and a rocket-building workshop, each one hour long.
Space Station Odyssey
Travel to the International Space Station to look for and identify objects in space. Recommended for grade K-3.
Mars Pioneers
Embark on a manned mission to Mars and conduct research along the way. Recommended for grade 5.
Destination Moon
Journey to the Moon, and build and launch a satellite to search for water. Recommended for grades K-4. (Note: Due to system upgrades, this mission is currently not available. We will resume scheduling when upgrades are complete.)
Ages 11 and Up
Full space missions are ideal for students ages 11 or older. Each mission is two hours and can accommodate up to 30 participants.
Lunar Quest
To sustain human life on the Moon, teams must find resources and avoid disasters.
Recommended for grades 7 and up.
Expedition Mars
Astronauts and engineers collaborate to search for life on Mars—and keep their own lives safe in the process.
Recommended for grades 6 and up.
Operation Comet
A crew of Astronauts supported by Mission Control engineers have been tasked with learning more about a long-period comet flying close to Earth. They must launch to the International Space Station and work together to help unlock new information about the origins of our solar system. Recommended for grades 5 and up.
Discovery Workshops
For ages 11 and up. Discovery Workshops are 2-hour engineering challenges designed to accompany space missions and provide a full-day experience for students.
The Great Rocket Design Challenge
Student teams will play the role of rocket design companies vying for a $10 billion contract. After a brief tutorial about rocket parts and their functions, students will work cooperatively using math, writing, design engineering, and interpersonal skills to design, construct, and test paper rockets that launch on a high-powered air launcher.
Cost: $225 per group (maximum 32 participants)
Wind Turbine Design Challenge
This design workshop will challenge your students to create the most effective wind turbine blades to harness the most energy. Students will work in teams to design, build, and test their blades and then compare their results with those of the other teams. The workshop will also include a discussion about the importance of developing alternative energy sources and how a wind turbine works.
Cost: $225 per group (maximum 32 participants)
Virtual and Hybrid Programs
Ground Control Missions
Your students will serve as scientists and engineers at Ground Control, helping astronauts to launch a probe to learn more about our solar system. The program is designed for distance learning, but available to students in-class, as well. We also offer hybrid versions of our virtual missions that include a Challenger Learning Center staff facilitator in your classroom.
Mission Options:
Grades 1-2: Ground Control to Mars (Level 1)
Grades 3-5: Ground Control to Mars (Level 2) OR Ground Control to Moon (Level 2)
Grades 6-8: Ground Control to Moon (Level 3), OR Ground Control to Mars (Level 3)
Program Length: One 1-hour class period per group (note: for classes working remotely, classes will be split into two groups of under 16 students at no additional cost)
Virtual Mission Cost: $300/class
Hybrid Mission Cost: $350/class
Requirements:
Internet-accessible device for each student
Zoom (recommended/preferred)
Remote Rocket Workshop
Our remote rocket workshop is intended to pair with the virtual or hybrid missions. While half of the class is participating in the mission, the other half can participate in the rocket workshop.
We will provide rubber-band rocket kits for you to distribute to each of your students. A Challenger educator will meet virtually with your class to lead them through rocket assembly and the engineering design process. (There is an additional cost of $3/student for the kits.)
Program Length: One 1-hour class period per group (note: for classes working remotely, classes will be split into two groups of under 16 students at no additional cost)
Grade levels: 3rd-8th grade
Cost: $150/class (contact us for special pricing for small classes)
Kits: add $3/student
Requirements:
Internet-accessible device for each student
Zoom (recommended/preferred)
For the kit-based option, teachers are responsible for distributing the kits to their students
Virtual Living in Space Program
Students learn how astronauts have to adapt everyday activities to a micro-gravity environment. To provide a more engaging hands-on experience, kits are available for $2/student.
Cost: $225/class
Custom Programming
Contact us at info@clcstlouis.org to discuss other options including class sets of maker kits, programs for younger students, week-long Ground Control Camp experiences, and more.
Ready to book your class trip to space?
Are you an educator? Give us a call at (314) 521-6205.