Challenger Center Programming Options

In-Person Simulated Space Missions

Early Education

Micronaut Programs

Recommended Grade Levels:  K-2 or 3-5

In response to requests by early educators for a space education program that would be appropriate for their students, the UTC Challenger Learning Center developed the Micronaut Program. This program is a space-themed, content-rich experience for students in grade bands K-2 or 3-5. 

K-2 students participate in our Discovery Station, which includes a shuttle launch, trip to our Discovery STEM Space Station, and may include 1-3 additional programs. 

3rd-5th grade students participate in one of our Micro Missions, which are adapted versions of our full missions, customized for younger learners. They may also include 1-3 additional programs that are aligned with Tennessee science standards and enriching what they are learning in the classroom. 

Micronaut Timing, Pricing, and Capacity

Micronaut programs can accommodate 20 students per activity, rotating approximately every 40 minutes. 

Micro Mission/Discovery + 1 activity - 1.5 hours - $300 (40 student capacity)

Micro Mission/Discovery + 2 activities - 2 hours - $450 (60 student capacity)

Micro Mission/Discovery + 3 activities - 2.5 hours - $600 (80 student capacity)

Chaperones & Parents

The Challenger Center allows 1 free chaperone per each group of 10 students, after which, there is a $2 surcharge for each chaperone, which will be added to the final invoice. In order to conserve capacity, the maximum number of accompanying parents/chaperones that we can accommodate is 50.

MicroMars 

Recommended Grade Levels:  3rd+
Maximum Number of Participants per Program:  20
Program Length:  ~40 minutes
Mission:  MicroMars is a version of our full Expedition Mars simulation customized for 3rd-5th graders. It is currently our only micro mission being offered.

The year is 2076 and for 40 years humans have been studying Mars while on its surface. A few support structures have been built on Mars, but the primary living habitat and mission control are not on Mars itself; they are located approximately 5,800 miles above Mars on a moon named Phobos. Our mission begins by boarding the Mars Transport Vehicle (MTV) that shuttles astronauts and scientists from the base on Phobos to the surface of Mars.

All crew members work together to support the goal of this mission: searching for evidence of water on Mars. To accomplish the goal, the MTV carries parts for a new remotely operated vehicle (ROV) that must be built and programmed before today’s crew touches down on Mars. To ensure this happens crew members will check the health of the crew and safety of the MTV, search for mission satellites, and outline geologic signs of water.

Middle Grades and Higher

Expedition Mars

Recommended Grade Levels:  6th+
Maximum Number of Participants per Program:  34
Program Length:  ~2 hours
Mission:  The year is 2076. A handful of facilities have been established on Mars, including a greenhouse, a mobile geological survey base, and a centralized research habitat. The primary human habitat is not on Mars, but on one of its moons, Phobos. A large shuttle regularly ferries astronauts and scientists between the base on Phobos and the surface of Mars. This shuttle, or Mars Transport Vehicle (MTV), carries parts to build a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to continue the search for evidence of life and water. However, when crew members discover an imminent threat to their MTV and the Martian surface facilities, they must act quickly to save their stations, their research, and their lives.​

Cost: $600/full mission; $1500 full day (2 missions + 2 classroom programs)

*All programs include optional use of lunch facilities

Lunar Quest

Recommended Grade Levels:  6th+
Maximum Number of Participants per Program:  34
Program Length:  ~2 hours
Mission:  In the not-too-distant future several permanent habitats on the Moon are home to astronauts and scientists conducting research. Human-operated vehicles and rovers search for resources critical to the expansion of lunar research. The new crew sent to help with the expansion faces a tough task and students will be challenged to make decisions that will impact the success of the mission. Teams will need to observe the Earth, sun, and beyond as they navigate to the moon and select sites for future lunar mining. Ultimately, the primary mission goal of keeping the crew safe will become a challenge as the teams will have to exercise their problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills before they can call the mission a success.

Cost: $600/full mission; $1500 full day (2 missions + 2 classroom Programs)

*All programs include optional use of lunch facilities

Virtual Simulated Missions

 

These exciting space-themed missions are designed for students in grades 4-8 and reinforce the importance of teamwork and collaboration, even in a virtual environment.

Delivered to students in real-time by the Challenger Learning Center at Challenger STEM Learning Center at UTC, these experiences are perfect for remote, hybrid and socially distant classrooms.

• One-hour engaging experiences delivered from start to finish by Center staff
• Aligned to national education standards
• No handouts or supplies needed
• Program requires devices with internet connection along with audio and video (optional) capability.
• Apple iPads are not compatible for these Missions.
• Features small group and whole class activities

Destination Moon

Researchers are returning to the Moon to build a second research base for astronauts to live and work. To get there, they’ll launch and fly Blue Origin’s reusable launch vehicle, New Glenn, and explore the Moon’s surface using Blue Origin's lunar lander, Blue Moon.

Destination Mars

Researchers are ready to explore Mars, but there’s one glaring problem – more than 40 million miles separate Earth from Mars. Students will go on a mission to analyze data and determine which of the Red Planet's moons, Phobos or Deimos, is the best location for building a research base.

These programs can be stand-alone or added to your group's program rotation.  Based on grade-level, our STEAM learning labs are exciting multi-sensory opportunities to expand what your students are learning in the classroom.  

Ask about our STEAM Learning Labs during your program intake meeting!

Current STEAM Learning Labs

Kindergarten+

• Mini Moon Phases
• Nano Satellite Geofix
• Micro Rockets
• Telescope Tech (1st & 2nd)
• Micronauts to the Moon**
• Planet Walk
• Stars and Constellations

3rd Grade +

• Galileo's Ramp
• Mini Mars Rover
• Telescope Tech
• Moon Phases
• Planet Walk
• Trouble Ladder
• Star Stations
• Pop-Rockets
• NanoSat 3D

6th Grade +

• Everything previously listed
• Clay Rockets
• The Moon Rocks!
• Moon Maneuvers
• Mars Rover

For most programs, timing can be customized for group needs
 

Other Programs Offered

A Moc's First Year Courses

Be sure to schedule your FYE course as soon as possible to ensure your group has a spot!

We offer first year courses the chance to participate in our MicroMars mission to show them what the Challenger Center offers and help them bond as a team. Alternatively, first year Mocs have the opportunity to engage in our teambuilding setup, helping them to understand their strengths on a team as well as get to know their classmates!

 

 

Corporate and Business Teambuilding

We offer several Team Building opportunities for all groups that could benefit from time building the great team you already have!

Tours

Self-Guided Tours
The public is welcome to tour our exhibit space during normal business hours (8am-5pm M-F).

We have several one-of-a-kind artifacts that can only be found in our facility.

With advanced notice, a short guided tour can also be arranged. 

 

 

Professional Development

We offer several opportunities for Professional Development hours.  Depending the PD needs of your group this can be done in collaboration with Arts-Based Collaborative.

Please contact [email protected] for additional information regarding PD.