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Book a mission, and get your students involved with Challenger Learning Center.

On-Site FAQ'S

Q. What is a Challenger Learning Center (CLC)?
A. The Challenger Center at Wheeling Jesuit is part of a growing network of centers nationwide that have been established by the Challenger Center for Space Education in memory of the ill-fated Challenger Space Shuttle. Born out of tragedy and with the purpose of continuing the mission of the crew, the Challenger Learning Center is a unique hands-on learning experience designed to foster interest in math, science, and technology education.

Q. What do students do at the CLC?
A. Challenger Learning Center participants are assigned to the roles of mission specialist and astronauts as they conduct various hands-on experiments while analyzing the data they are collecting.  Crew members must make quick decisions as they work in teams to ensure that the mission runs as smoothly as possible so that what if can become WHAT’S NEXT!!

Q. How long is a mission?
A. An on-site simulated space mission is a two- hour experience filled with fun and excitement from the beginning until the end.

Q. Are there different missions and scenarios?
A. Yes, the Challenger Center at Wheeling Jesuit University offers three exciting mission scenarios:   Rendezvous with a Comet, Voyage to Mars, and Return to the Moon.  The mission scenarios rotate each year so that that we are able to offer a variety of activities to our customers as well as tie in current events to the mission that we are flying. 

Q. Will I be trained to “fly” a mission?
A. Yes, the Challenger Center offers 5 teacher training dates throughout the school year that teachers can take part in to learn how to integrate the pre-mission curriculum into their classrooms.  Teachers will receive a training manual, learn about the logistics of a mission, and fly a mission. Teachers will walk a way with an understanding of the benefits of educational simulations.

Q: How to I get to the CLC at WJU?
A: Visit our Contact page, or see the printer friendly directions page.

Q: How do I book a mission?
A: Visit our Book a Mission page.

Off-Site FAQ's

Q: What kind of technology support do we have?
A: Two weeks before the video conference, the teacher will be contacted by a person of our tech department, who will provide all of the guidance needed in order to assure the success of the video conference.

Q: What kind of systems do we need for the video conference?
A: You can get the list of the requirements for e-Mission: Operation Montserrat at http://clc.wju.edu/om/teacher/missionprep/t_computersetup.html

The requirements for e-Mission: Space Station Alpha are basically the same.

Q: How do we use Distance Learning to educate?
A: We use technology to provide students and teachers an opportunity to experience the excitement and educational experience of a CLC without having to travel to one. Our eMissions give students the opportunity to act like real scientists in a problem based scenario. The package consists of two days of teacher training; curriculum aligned with national and state standards and a live event where students link live to our CLC and "role play" through a simulated space mission.


Q: How do I book an e-Mission?
A: Visit our Book an Mission page.