Center Missions
Take your students on a field trip they’ll never forget.
See All Education Programs
Grade Level 5-9
Earth and Space Science
Visit a Challenger Learning Center
Out of this world immersive experiences.
Center Missions are space-themed simulation-based experiences led by trained Flight Directors at Challenger Learning Centers. Students immerse themselves in our custom-designed Transport, Mission Control, and Spacecraft rooms that mirror real space industry environments.
Students practice critical 21st century skills including teamwork, collaboration, and problem-solving, while completing their mission. Teamwork is crucial: All students are encouraged to troubleshoot, brainstorm, and challenge themselves (and each other) to ensure Mission success!
This differentiated approach allows for a truly immersive learning experience where students apply critical, scientific knowledge to real-world scenarios.
While all Missions primarily focus on Earth and space science themes, they also integrate physical science, life science, and engineering topics.
Visit a Challenger Learning Center where students experience our fully immersive and interactive Earth Odyssey, Expedition Mars, Lunar Quest, and/or Operation Comet simulations. Each student plays a unique role as their team completes tasks, conducts research through hands-on labs, and collaborates to find solutions to simulated emergencies. They’ll role-play real-world STEM careers, like astronauts, scientists, engineers, and medical professionals.
Integrate pre-and post-mission activities into your classroom lessons to expand students’ understanding of Earth and space science and technology.
Explore Our Center Missions
“Each aspect of a Center Mission focuses on a different component of STEM education that’s highly engaging. This team-building experience really brought our group of students together. I recommend visiting a Challenger Learning Center to all!”
- Dean of Students, Pottsgrove Middle School (Pennsylvania)
Program Impacts
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STEM Career Awareness: Increase student awareness of STEM careers
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STEM Identity: Develop student sense of belonging in STEM
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STEM Engagement: Develop student engagement in STEM
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STEM Self-Efficacy: Develop student feeling that they can “do STEM”
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21st Century and Social-Emotional Learning Skills: Develop student communication, collaboration, and problem solving abilities
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Approximate program time: 2 hours
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Pre- and post-lesson activities available
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Reading level options available (student selected)
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Closed captioning available
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Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) aligned
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Common Core State Standards (CCSS) aligned
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No personal student data collected