Learning Centers

Challenger Learning Centers are also committed to working with educators to help them develop the necessary skills, confidence, and competence to teach space science in their classrooms.

Learning Centers have a rich history of becoming a catalyst for professional development among teachers in our learning communities. Challenger Learning Centers are often hosts to education programs from NASA, Harvard University, and other prestigious institutions.

Challenger Learning Center Missions

After their class has secured a mission slot with a Learning Center, educators are required to participate in a preparatory teacher workshop. During the one-day training program, teachers receive instruction on lessons and activities created by Challenger Center that correlate to their scheduled mission. Pedagogy is checked at the door as teachers participate in the same hands on activities that their students will soon complete.

These curriculum materials are specially designed to prepare students for their upcoming mission, and include skills-building activities in the areas of teamwork and communication. Curriculum materials also help students to understand the thematic topic of their simulated space flight.

Teacher Awards

Each year seven teachers are nominated by Learning Centers to receive the Turner Wiley Challenger Teacher Award.

Additional Information

For more information on Challenger Learning Center programs, please contact a Learning Center Coordinator via e-mail at ns@challenger.org; by telephone at (877) 443-5701 or (816) 471-7770; or by completing the Feedback Form.