5 Reasons Every Student Should “Go to Space” at Least Once

Every teacher has seen the spark in a student’s eyes when learning finally clicks. At Challenger Learning Centers, that spark doesn’t just flicker; it launches curiosity that lasts a lifetime.

Through immersive, role-based Missions, students learn about science by becoming engineers, biologists, mission specialists, and other STEM professionals. They tackle real-world challenges with their classmates by their side. The result? A learning experience that sticks long after the final countdown.

Here are five impactful things students take away from a Challenger Center Mission that you won’t find in any textbook: 

1. A stronger sense of confidence in STEM

The fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) can feel daunting. Inside a Challenger Learning Center, students eagerly play the role of geologists, pilots, robotic engineers, and other STEM jobs, each with an important contribution to their Mission to space. As they solve problems with their team, they become immersed in their roles and more secure in their abilities. Every task reinforces that they can understand complex concepts, solve problems, and make discoveries. 

2. Collaboration and communication skills

Just like in real life, success in the Mission depends on teamwork. Students must communicate clearly between Spacecraft and Mission Control, listen carefully, and rely on one another’s expertise. When the Mission succeeds, it’s because everyone played their part and every voice was heard.

3. How to handle the unexpected

No mission ever goes perfectly, and that’s by design. The experiments and tasks in each Mission engage students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills, encouraging them to evaluate and adjust when mistakes are made. Every Mission includes an “unexpected event” (a system failure, a mysterious reading, or a data problem) that requires students to troubleshoot under pressure. Instead of panicking, they come together, brainstorm solutions, and adapt.

4. Real-world connections that reinforce curriculum

Every Mission is built on real NASA data. Students are guided in their roles by videos featuring real scientists from diverse fields, experiences, and backgrounds. And after the Mission, Challenger Learning Center educators walk the students through how their day’s mission connects to real careers, scientific news, and advancements. Missions align with education standards, but they also extend beyond classroom lessons to the living, evolving world of STEM. 

5. Authentic engagement that lasts

When students “return from space,” they come back buzzing with energy, not because they memorized facts, but because they lived the learning. They start asking bigger questions, dreaming about space, engineering, and discovery. That energy often carries back into the classroom, where students engage more deeply with lessons, projects, and discussions.

In bringing STEM to life, we aim to spark an interest in new topics, expose students to diverse careers, and boost their confidence in their own abilities—all while students practice communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork. We have been told time and time again by students, teachers, and alumni how unforgettable and inspiring this experience is. As one educator from Chesterton, IN, shared:

That sense of success and self-discovery is what makes a Challenger Center Mission unforgettable. Whether students are exploring Mars, studying Earth from orbit, or solving a crisis in deep space, they return to the classroom inspired, engaged, and ready to learn more. They bring with them curiosity, lessons in teamwork, and the confidence that they can rise to any challenge, in the classroom and far beyond.