APS Students “Lift Off” to Challenger Learning Center
More than 50 APS elementary school students did more than read about Space Science recently, they experienced it.
APS students from Fletcher, Yale and Summit Academy elementary schools explored the Challenger Learning Center in Colorado Springs.
Students met with Challenger Learning Center representatives dressed in NASA flight suits and experienced a flight simulation to the moon. The simulation capped off a space-based unit of study that challenges students to apply their mathematics and science knowledge to a space mission.
APS Superintendent John L. Barry visited students recently to share his experiences as executive director and board member of the 2003 Columbia Accident Investigation Team. Barry led the independent inquiry of the tragic Columbia Space Shuttle accident. He discussed the importance of education and the space program.
The Challenger Center for Space Science Education is an international, non-profit education organization that was founded by the families of the astronauts lost during the last flight of the Challenger Space Shuttle in 1986.
“Thanks to the people at the Challenger Learning Center I enjoy science more. After triangulating and finding features on the moon, I feel like being an astronaut when I grow up.”
- Alberto Flores
Yale Elementary School Student
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