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Challenger Center
300 North Lee St,
Suite 301,
Alexandria, VA 22314



Math Science Innovation Center First Union Challenger Learning Center

2401 Hartman Street
Richmond, VIRGINIA  23223

Opening Date

March 13, 1991

Mission Statement

The Mathematics and Science Center provides leadership through delivery of exemplary mathematics and science programs to support participating school divisions' development of 21st-Century citizens who can contribute productively, ethically, and responsibly as members of a global society.

For Students,
the Center will provide quality enrichment experiences in mathematics, science, and technology to enhance conceptual understanding, problem-solving, and the development of curiosity, motivation, and enthusiasm for life-long learning.

For Parents and Their Children,
the Center will provide opportunities to explore together the world of mathematics and science and to develop an appreciation of the relevance of mathematics and science to daily lives, careers, and society.

For Educators,
the Center will introduce and model concepts, teaching strategies, technology and other curriculum resources and provide opportunities for field studies, research experiences, and community interactions.

For Participating School Divisions,
the Center will engage in continuous dialogue with each division and with the greater community to explore, develop, and influence implementation of educational programs and partnerships that produce optimal educational outcomes for 21st-Century citizens.

Contact Information

(804) 343-6525
(804) 343-6534
clcrichmond@mathscience.k12.va.us
www.msinnovation.info

Crew Members

Kathleen Six
Weekday Instructor
(804) 343-6525 (ext. 0)
ksix@msinnovation.info

Dr. Julia Cothron
Executive Director
(804) 343-6525 (ext. 225)
jcothron@msinnovation.info

Jim Lehman
Educator
(804) 343-6525 (ext. 252)
jlehman@msinnovation.info

Daphne Schmidt
Weekday Instructor
(804) 343-6525 (ext. 0)
dschmidt@msinnovation.info

Jerome Randolph
Assistant Educator
(804) 343-6525 (ext. 241)
jrandolph@msinnovation.info

Gregg Whisler
Educator
(804) 343-6525 (ext. 280)
gwhisler@msinnovation.info

Gary Burleigh
Weekday Instructor
(804) 343-6525 (ext. 0)
gburleigh@msinnovation.info

Tina Copeland
Weekday Instructor
(804) 343-6525 (ext. 0)
tcopeland@msinnovation.info

Christy Gore
Weekday Instructor
(804) 343-6525 (ext. 0)
cgore@msinnovation.info

Rebecca Schieber
Weekday Instructor
(804) 343-6525 (ext. 0)
rschieber@msinnovation.info

Debbie Seward
Weekday Instructor
(804) 343-6525 (ext. 0)
dseward@msinnovation.info

David Rhyne
Educator, Lead Flight Director
(804) 343-6525 (ext. 236)
drhyne@msinnovation.info

Programs

Mission Scenarios

2004-2005 Saturday Program (Winter, Grades 6,7, & 8) and Saturday Programs (Spring and Fall, Grades 4-6)

Students participate in an extensive study of Mars called “Mission to Mars” including participating in the scenario entitled Voyage to Mars.

2005 Summer Program

Students may participate in one of three extensive weeklong aerospace experiences including participating mission scenarios,Voyage to Mars, Rendezvous with a Comet, and Return to the Moon.

2005 Regional Governor’s School

Gifted students participate in an array of space-related activities called Aerospace Challenges including multiple scenario missions in the Challenger Learning Center.

Professional Development

Teachers bringing students to the Challenger Center during the academic school year are required to participate in a day of professional development so that their students may be fully prepared for their unique learning experience in the simulator. Additional professional development opportunities are available to consortium schools upon request.

Directions

The Mathematics and Science Center is located east of Richmond.

Directions from the Interstate:
  • From I-95, exit to I-64 East (to Williamsburg, Norfolk).
  • Take 360 East - Mechanicsville exit.
  • Travel to 2nd traffic light and make right turn onto Bloom Lane.
    (At this point, signs will direct you to the Center)
  • Take next left onto Apollo Ave.
  • Take next right onto Cleary Street. Travel approximately 2-3 blocks.
  • Make left turn onto Hartman Street. Center is located on right side.
Directions from the Intersection of Laburnum Ave. & Mechanicsvile Turnpike:

  • Travel West on Mechanicsville Turnpike (toward Churchill).
  • Make left turn onto Bloom Lane (landmarks are the Tuffy Muffler Shop & Mobil Gas Station).
  • Take next left turn onto Apollo Road.
  • Take next right turn onto Cleary Street. Travel approximately 2-3 blocks.
  • Make left turn onto Hartman Street. Center is located on right side.

MapQuest

Click link above to get directions from mapquest.com.

Giving Opportunities

Mathematics & Science Center Foundation

The Mathematics & Science Center Foundation was established in 1989 as a tax-exempt 501 (c ) (3) organization to generate private funds, to increase awareness of the Center, and to generate private funds for state-of-the-art facilities and innovative programs not provided by the Center's operating budget.