Alexandria, VA – 2007 brought Challenger Learning Centers from 12 states together on an educational initiative sponsored by the Boeing Corporation. The Soar Program encourages educators from the 50 Challenger Centers to contribute their best science, technology engineering and mathematics (STEM) lessons for grades K-12 to the Teacher Resources available online at the Challenger Center for Space Science Education website at www.challenger.org.
Over 100 new lessons were added to the collection in 2007 including lessons on a variety of topics including earth science, astronomy, the solar system, space exploration, the Moon, Mars and comets, in memory of the Challenger 51-L crew, which intended to study Comet Halley. The collection currently includes over 300 lessons mapped to National Science and Mathematics curriculum standards.
Hands-on, project-based classroom lessons developed by educators are focused on communication, teamwork, problem solving and decision-making. These important life skills are vital to the development of today’s youth and are modeled in Challenger Learning Center interactive space missions and classroom lessons. These critical skills that are used by astronauts and other professionals have been identified as a necessity for tomorrow’s workforce. The Department of Labor Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training Emily De Rocca highlighted Challenger Center as a model program by in 2007 in response to the current shortage of graduates in STEM fields.
Over 25,000 teachers attend professional development workshops each year at Challenger Learning Centers in 30 states across the U.S., and 400,000 students fly simulated spaceflight missions that inspire them to pursue careers in the fields of science and technology. The Challenger Center for Space Science Education was founded in 1986 by the families of the astronauts of the space shuttle Challenger 51-L mission. It is dedicated to the educational spirit of that mission. Challenger Learning Center programs at 50 centers across the country continue the crew’s mission of engaging teachers and students in science, mathematics, engineering and technology.
To locate lessons and on-line resources for teachers and students, please visit the Challenger Center for Space Science Education website, at www.challenger.org
Shannon Rush
Challenger Center for Space Science Education, Alexandria, VA
888-683-9740
srush@challenger.org
