Center Mission
Earth Odyssey
Mission Goal: Collaborate to build a replacement satellite for scientific research.
See All Center Missions
Grade Level 6-9
Earth and Space Science
Visit a Challenger Learning Center
When a satellite is destroyed, can your students build a replacement?
A satellite that’s been collecting data about Earth is malfunctioning. Your students will collaborate to capture the satellite using a robotic arm, download the data, and identify new information to analyze, test, and explore Earth.
They’ll then work in teams to build technologies for a new satellite launch at the end of the mission. The satellite will collect data on Earth’s processes that are constantly changing due to our global changing climate and will help scientists further study the dramatic impact that climate change has on our planet.
When an emergency arises, the crews will work together to overcome an impactful weather event. It’s up to your students to work together to make this mission a complete success.
Visit a Challenger Learning Center where students experience our fully immersive and interactive Earth Odyssey simulation. They’ll be placed into teams to conduct research, collaborate to find solutions to urgent challenges, and experience real-world STEM careers.
Integrate our pre-and post-mission activities into your classroom lessons to expand students’ understanding of Earth and space science and technology.
While Earth Odyssey primarily focuses on Earth and space science themes, it also integrates physical science, life science, and engineering topics.
“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)
Learning Objectives
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Understand and analyze how severe weather events impact Earth’s processes and climate
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Analyze environmental data, including ecosystems and geological events to better understand how our planet is changing
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Troubleshoot and solve problems using the engineering design process
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Collaborate with peers to achieve a common goal
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Enhance scientific vocabulary
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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