(703) 683-9740
(703) 683-7546
Challenger Learning Center of the San Joaquin Valley
Castle Airport Aviation and Development Center
3460 Challenger Way
Atwater, CA
95301
Opening Date
June 19, 1996
Mission Statement
Challenger Learning Center of the San Joaquin Valley is a mathematics and science facility that incorporates the thrill and adventure of space flight with the down to Earth necessity to master the fundamentals of mathematics and science. Along the way, three important skills are developed: teamwork, problem solving, and communication.
Our mission is to extend the boundaries of human knowledge, to teach, and to inspire.
Contact Information
(209) 726-0296
(209) 726-3491
info@challengersjv.org
www.challengersjv.org
Crew Members
Amanda Hartman
Operations Administrator
(209) 726-0296
ahartman@challengersjv.org
Thomas Tanioka
Education Director
eddirector@challengersjv.org
David Olsen
Foundation President
Flight Director
Flight Director
Programs
Mission Scenarios
Mirror Dome Show
The Dome Show introduces students to the wonderful world of astronomy! It is a 12ft. high inflatable planetarium with a 20ft. diameter. It is a valuable astronomy or earth science experience for anyone from Kindergarten through college. Several subject applications are available and each can be tailored to the age and educational level of group.
Available Shows
Greek Mythology-Astronomy
Our Solar System
Earth's Wild Ride
Space Elevator
Ring World-Saturn
Astrophysics
A one-hour program, there are plenty of hands-on, interactive and class participation examples employed during the program.
Scenarios
Simple Machines (3rd grade and up)
Force and Motion (4th grade and up)
Gravity (5th grade and up)
Micronauts (K-3)
A hands-on space simulation program. Ride into space on the transport vehicle Destiny and complete scientific experiments.
Summer Camp
The Learning Center offers science-based programs for students entering grades 1 through 12. The camp is a one-week (5 days) experience filled with exceptionally cool and incredibly fun math, science, and physics activities.
Each day of the camp will focus on specific principals of physics, science, or math. These include Newtonian & astrophysics, computer science, chemistry, and aerodynamics of rocket flight.
Birthday Parties
We can arrange your birthday party at the Castle Science & Technology Center or Challenger Learning Center! Party attendees can explore interactive exhibits or take part in a simulated space mission while celebrating. Flight crews usually engage 24 or more people. Invite all your friends! Our STARLAB planetarium is also available.
Corporate Training
The Corporate Training Mission utilizes Challenger's talented staff and state of the art equipment to teach dynamic curriculums including teambuilding, communications, decision-making, problem solving, and crisis management. These missions can be tailored from 10-33 people and exercises can last from one-half to a full day.
With multiple hands on activities and an excitement level continuing to grow on through the end-of-the-day mission in the simulators, your employees will gain much more from our Corporate Training than they would by just sitting through an ordinary training class.
Directions
Challenger Learning Center is located in the former Castle Air Force Base at 3460 Challenger Way in Atwater, California.
- Take the Buhach Road Exit of Highway 99
- Follow Buhach Road approximately 2 1/2 miles north to Castle Airport (formerly Castle Air Force Base)
- As you cross the Santa Fe railroad tracks, you will enter the airport property
- Turn left onto Challenger Way
The Challenger Learning Center is the first building on the left. There is ample parking available in front of the Learning Center.
Click link above to get directions from mapquest.com.
Giving Opportunities
Challenger Learning Center of the San Joaquin Valley actively seeks support from corporations and local business to assist in our efforts to bring the wonders of space to local area students.
Contact the office at (209) 726-0296 for more information on how you can support your community’s Challenger Learning Center.
