Challenger Learning Center Missions Ready For Launch

The Intelligencer Wheeling-News: Challenger Learning Center Missions Ready For Launch
WHEELING - Many institutions of higher learning have a mission, but the Challenger Learning Center at Wheeling Jesuit University has 15.

The center started the new academic year last fall by adding four new programs. Of its 15 "missions" that simulate space exploration for students of all ages, four of the programs are on site and 11 are available off site via the Internet as e-missions.

Micronauts, the lone new on-site program, is a space science adventure for students in kindergarten through third grade. It is the first program developed specifically for younger students. The "Discovery Mission" is a one-hour, hands-on simulation that takes place in the new Micronauts spacecraft designed specifically for the younger "astronaut." During the mission, students conduct a series of innovative, standards-based activities and experiments.

"It's a very cool mission," said Jackie Shia, director of the Challenger Learning Center. "It's just one of our new programs."

The purpose is to challenge and enlighten the young students to learn principles of science, math and engineering as well as cooperation and problem solving while in a fun environment. Shia said it is a unique encounter with science and space technology.

In the Discovery Mission, students pretend to become part of a team of scientists, engineers, and mathematicians on board the International Space Station. They participate in experiments and activities like examining objects under a digital microscope, exploring and identifying planets and investigating color, sounds, rocks, magnetism, and more.

Each activity is aimed to help students learn more about the environment and planet Earth. The activities also help develop critical thinking skills and discovery of basic science, math and literacy concepts. Each of the new missions has been under development for more than a year.

"By placing participants into the roles of astronauts and scientists trying to solve a real-life problem, they are hooked," Shia said. "This fascination with space science exploration permeates the hearts and minds of young people."

"The goal of the missions is to improve students' problem-solving skills and enhance their creative and critical thinking ability. It also teaches the importance of teamwork while fostering a long-term interest in science and math."

"The missions are based on the latest developments in cognitive science research, which have proven to increase students' achievements and attitudes toward science, math and technology," she added.

E-missions are similar programs designed for older students at various levels. They are simulated, problem-based learning adventures delivered into classrooms via distance-learning technology. They involve using the Internet and video conferencing and are done live with a "flight director" at the Challenger Learning Center on the WJU campus.

Two of the new programs are for middle school students and the third for high school students and older. The first is called WV Storm and is an intense, all-inclusive, simulation mission during which students become part of a fictional, extreme weather response unit. It takes between 60 and 90 minutes to complete.

During the mission, students work with federal governmental agencies and travel throughout the country to help local emergency management personnel deal with possible emergency situations that may be caused by extreme weather conditions. Students, in contact with a "chief meteorologist" on the WJU campus, interact to complete given tasks.

Students are shown video clips and images to show weather conditions in West Virginia areas they monitor to give an authentic feel. At the conclusion, they are updated on the aftermath of the storm and the outcome of their problem-solving and decision-making skills.

The second new e-mission is called "Hurricane Alert" and is similar to WV Storm in how it is conducted. It involves putting to use critical thinking skills and scientific knowledge to track hurricanes and predict locations of hurricane landfall. It enhances student knowledge of meteorology and hurricane forecasting.

In all missions teachers are offered free training and curriculum packages are provided. In addition, a test is conducted prior to the actual program to assure computer, and video conference compatibility.

The last new mission, for older students, is called CyberSurgeons. It is also an intense experience, according to officials, during which students are required to quickly diagnose and treat unusual medical cases. Teams of students use their critical thinking skills and scientific knowledge to solve emergency medical problems.

They become part of an emergency medical team on a "mercy ship" traveling up the Amazon River. The ship is equipped with high-tech hospital equipment and medical research capabilities. It also takes between 60 and 90 minutes to complete. Students are provided with pre-mission lesson plans to help them prepare.

The Challenger Learning Center has been honored nine years for having served the most children of all 48 worldwide centers offering similar programs. Last year it made more than 1,000 video connections. Shia also noted she is looking for part-time mission directors.

For additional information about Challenger missions, call the Challenger Learning Center at 304-243-8740.