School Programs

Astrotots will learn about rocket basics, see a "live" launch in our transporter and do a
hands-on project.
$100, up to 15 children (2 adults required)
$150, 16-28 children (3 adults required)

Astrotots will learn about stars and constellations in our star dome, go on a star hunt in our mission control room an do a hands-on project.
$100, up to 15 children (2 adults required)
$150, 16-28 children (3 adults required)

Give us a call at (270) 534-3101 to book this program.  If you would like an informational flyer about this program, send us an email at sarahj.davis@kctcs.edu

Our curriculum is now available through Google Drive.  To receive the login credentials, please contact Jennifer Reed at (270) 534-3098 or jennifer.reed@kctcs.edu.

In the not-too-distant future a team of scientists and engineers are serving as astronauts and mission controllers on a daring exploration of comets. Their goal is to successfully plot a course to rendezvous with a comet and launch a probe to collect scientific data. What may seem to be a routine exploration is sprinkled with lots of surprises and emergencies that will give students first-hand insight into teamwork and problem-solving. This scenario is for 4th and 5th grade students.

As a team of astronauts, your students must board a Spacecraft and launch to the Moon in search of a long-term habitat. Another team of scientists and engineers are stationed in Mission Control on Earth to command and assist the astronauts on this mission. Once the Spacecraft crew successfully lands on the Moon, they must deploy a Lunar Exploration Rover to identify a suitable location for a sustainable long-term human habitat.   However, when the crew receives troubling readings from below the Moon’s surface, the two teams must work together and make critical decisions to turn a potential catastrophe into NASA’s finest hour.  This scenario is for 6th grade students.  

The year is 2076. A handful of facilities have been established on Mars: 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 Spacecraft
regularly ferries astronauts and scientists between the base on Phobos and the
surface of Mars. The Spacecraft also 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 Spacecraft and the Martian
surface facilities, they must act quickly to save their stations, their research, and
their Spacecraft. This scenario is for 7th - 12th grade students and adults. It can only be flown in September and October of each year.

• Suggested for 6th grade
• Can be done at school or individual homes
• Apple products are not compatible
• Each student needs a computer
• 1 hour in length
• Pre-curriculum provided
• Virtual teacher training provided
• School must print data logs 

Cost: $100 (max 30 students)

Overview:  Your students will launch the New Glenn rocket and deploy the Blue Moon lunar lander on a cargo mission to the Moon.  Students work in teams to monitor the engines and the structure of the rocket and lander.  They will also monitor and adjust trajectory based on data about space weather and debris.  Students will then choose an optimal Moon landing site.  This mission uses exclusive animations and imagery from Blue Origin- a privately owned aerospace company. 
Although we highly recommend you follow the age suggestions, we will facilitate whatever options you choose!

To schedule your virtual mission, call (270) 534-3101 or send an email to sarahj.davis@kctcs.edu. 

Professional development for educators is a vital component of the Challenger Learning Center program. We believe the more students and teachers are prepared for their mission, the better the student learning experience. Each summer a variety of workshops is offered to educators. The new teacher workshop is designed for educators who have never brought a group to the CLC, this will include participating in a mission and learning about the logistics of bringing the students to the center. Returning teacher workshops change each summer and always include ways to enhance the Challenger Learning Center curriculum with new STEM ideas and activities.  Summer professional development dates and topics will be available each spring. 

To book an on-site mission, complete our Program Inquiry Form. You may also give us a call at (270) 534-3101 or email sarahj.davis@kctcs.edu. 

To book a virtual mission, please give us a call at (270) 534-3101 or email sarahj.davis@kctcs.edu. 

Take a tour through our night sky!  Explore the stars in their constellations and hear the Greek and Roman Mythology stories related to them.
$75, per session

Explore our Moon!  See and learn about the Moon's phases, features and the landing sites where humans walked.
$75, per session

60 miles or less: $50 per day; 61 miles or more, call (270) 534-3101 for pricing.

Add on a correlating activity to either option above.  This add-on extends each session by 30 minutes.
$50, per session

• Limit of 25 students per session
• Lessons can be adapted for 2nd grade and up.
• No more than five 45-minute sessions/day.
• One school personnel must remain with students at all times.
• Large area that can accommodate dome of 11 ft. high and 25 ft. across (i.e. stage, gym, library)
• Must be a quiet area.
• Floor must be clean.
• Electrical outlets available; one for a fan, one for a projector.  We will bring extension cords.
• Participants will be required to remove their shoes before entering the dome.

Complete our Program Inquiry Form.  You may also give us a call at (270) 534-3101 or send us a email at sarahj.davis@kctcs.edu.