January 25, 2016
Contact: Jill Moberley, Public Information Officer
jmoberle@dps.k12.oh.us
For Immediate Release

Special “Mission to Mars” at the Challenger Learning Center of Dayton

Fifth-graders from River’s Edge Montessori PreK-6 School will embark on a “Mission to Mars” from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 28, to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the failed Space Shuttle Challenger mission that cost the lives of Teacher in Space Christa McAuliffe and six other crew members. The mission will take place at the Challenger Center, 1401 Leo St.
It was Jan. 28, 1986 that the Challenger exploded during launch with the first teacher who would travel into space. Christa McAuliffe was chosen from 11,000 applicants to be a part of the mission. She was set to teach science lessons and conduct experiments from space. Jan. 28 is also named “Christa McAuliffe Day.”

The Challenger Learning Center continues the astronauts’ legacy by using custom-designed simulations to accompany students’ classroom learning. Students put their scientific minds to work to conduct various space missions. The exercises put their critical thinking and problem-solving skills to the test, as well as communication skills and teamwork.

More than 40 centers nationwide have educated more than 4.4 million students since the first center opened in Houston in 1988. The centers are a living tribute to those lost on the Challenger, established by their families to inspire the next generation of scientists.

“Challenger Center is inspiring today’s students to see their full potential and follow a path that leads to a career in the STEM industry,” Dr. Lance Bush, president and CEO, Challenger Center said. “Never before has this mission been so critical. Just as the Challenger crew demonstrated a true commitment to being innovators, we work to inspire that desire and passion for innovation in our Challenger Center students.”
The students from River’s Edge school are among thousands in the Miami Valley who can participate in center missions and classes. For more information about the Challenger Learning Center of Dayton, call (937) 542-6143.

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