Learning Centers

Challenger Learning Center of Northwest Indiana

c/o Purdue University Calumet
2300 173rd Street
Hammond, INDIANA  46323

Opening Date

March 6, 1999

Mission Statement

The Challenger Learning Center of Northwest Indiana’s mission is to create an exciting learning environment that promotes the continued exploration of the Earth and space sciences through innovative programs that challenge how teachers educate, students learn and businesses operate. We seek to foster in the community a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering and math.

Contact Information

(219) 989-3250
(219) 989-3256
info@clcnwi.com
www.clcnwi.com

Crew Members

Ann Vassar
Flight Director
(219) 989-3255
manis@clcnwi.com

Lori Cox
Flight Director
preston@clcnwi.com

Karen Kovach
Media Globe Coordinator
(219) 989-3255
kovach@clcnwi.com

Judy Leliaert
Science Center Coordinator
leliaert@clcnwi.com

Jennifer Daake
Lead Flight Director
jdaake@clcnwi.com

Amanda Maynard
Executive Director
Maynard@clcnwi.com

Karen Adams
Science Center Coordinator
adams@clcnwi.com

Carol Khoury

khoury@clcnwi.com

Margie DeCraene
Flight Director

Brenda Dean
Flight Director

Elizabeth Scott
Flight Director

Lorene Scheidt
Flight Director

Betty Kollada
Flight Director

Lori Preston-Cox
Flight Director

Programs

Mission Scenarios

• Rendezvous with a Comet™
• Return to the Moon™
• Voyage to Mars™

Science Center Activities (Grades 5-8)

For those teachers who want to extend the mission experience to a full day, we offer Science Center Activities. Students can explore the surface of Mars, investigate living in space, learn the scientific principles that launch rockets into space, analyze the objects in our Solar System, or become Moon geologists researching processes that formed the Moon.

Sky Voyages (Grades 2-4)

The Challenger Learning Center of Northwest Indiana offers half-day or full-day Sky Voyages for students in grades 2-4. Sky Voyages utilize cutting-edge planetarium technology by employing the MediaGlobe planetarium projector and a 27-foot dome.

Students become young astronomers as they study the Moon, constellations and stars, the reasons for the seasons, and the impact the night sky had on humans throughout the ages. These standards-based programs also offer professional development opportunities for teachers booking a Sky Voyage for their students.

eMissions (Grades 7-10)

Challenger Learning Center eMissions provide teachers the tools they need to easily integrate technology into their classrooms as they place their students in the role of an Emergency Response Team. Operation Montserrat is a two-hour mission simulation based on Earth systems science. Professional Development is provided for teachers and technology directors, introducing them to the technology and web-based curriculum.

Pre-School Programs (3-6 years old)

These one-hour programs give youngsters an introduction to the night sky and its celestial inhabitants. A star search, planetarium show, snack, story, and craft are part of the fun for these junior astronauts!

Indiana Space Adventure Camps (Grades 3-8)

Spend a week during the summer at the Challenger Learning Center of Northwest Indiana and gain insight into how NASA prepares for an upcoming mission. Students will become astronauts and Mission Control specialists trained to run a space mission. The week includes hands-on activities that focus on using problem solving, teamwork and critical thinking skills used during a mission, along with the science and math necessary to understand the concepts that astronauts need to know to be successful space travelers.

Corporate Missions (adult)

The Learning Center offers local businesses and corporations an opportunity to have their employees participate in a corporate mission. After working on team-building activities in the morning, participants will be challenged to successfully complete the Voyage to Mars mission simulation. Corporate missions encourage participants to think outside the box, analyze team dynamics and take this fresh perspective back into the work environment.

Community Missions (5th grade through adult)

Church groups, clubs, families, or organizations can Rendezvous with a Comet, Voyage to Mars, or Return to the Moon. Groups consisting of 16 to 32 individual s can schedule weekend or evening flights to promote team-building and communication skills.

Directions

Click link above to get directions from mapquest.com.

Giving Opportunities

The Challenger Learning Center of Northwest Indiana actively seeks support from community members, local businesses, and foundations. Funding opportunities include assistance to local area schools through mission or other activity sponsorships along with sponsorships for summer camp activities and supplies.

Contact Director Amanda Maynard for information on how you can support the Challenger Learning Center of Northwest Indiana.