Space Day: Challenger
Learning Space Science Center
5/5/05
Space Day, held on May 5, 2005 at the Challenger
Learning Center was a raving success. The goal of this educational
initiative was to inspire young people to explore careers in
mathematics, science, engineering and technology. During this event,
students were able to complete hands-on activities, view different
displays, learn astronomy, and listen to presentations. Over 250
students attended Space Day from various schools in the area, including
Keenan High School, C.A. Johnson High School, Lower Richland High
School, W.A. Perry Middle School, Bradley Elementary School, E.E.
Taylor Elementary School, and McCrorey Liston Elementary School.
One of the main attractions to Space Day was the presentation given by
Master Sergeant Bill Simmons, one of the original Tuskegee Airmen. He
talked about the struggles endured by the Tuskegee Airman and how they
overcame obstacles to be one of the most successful units of the United
States Military. Mr. Simmons told the students with pride that the
member of the 332nd Fighter Group never lost a bomber to
enemy fighters. He also discussed the importance of studying, making
good choices, going to college, and being a productive citizen.
Students were amazed to meet Mr. Simmons, who enjoys sharing his story
with young people. He signed pictures for students and answered all of
their questions.
Vondre’ T. Whaley and Terry Hufstetler, Mission Commanders at the
Challenger Learning Center, lead a class on straw rockets. Students
were able to design their own rockets to take home and compete for a
prize. In addition to learning about Newton’s three laws of motion,
students were able to discuss flight and the origin of rocketry.
The Robo Raiders of Keenan High School set up an awesome display of
robotics in action. They demonstrated robots that were built by the
team in addition to teaching students the basics of robotic science.
Students were allowed to operate some of the robots and take turns
riding the hovercraft, a mobile unit that glides on a thin layer of air
from a blower.
Space Day also included a health presentation presented by Jean
Hopkins, a nurse at W.A. Perry Middle School. She discussed the
importance of healthy eating and physical requirements needed to become
an astronaut. Her presentation was very informative because students
were allowed to ask many questions about different foods they liked to
eat.
Students were able to get an overview of 11 workstations and fly the
virtual reality flight simulator in the James E. Clyburn Aerospace
Education Laboratory. This was very exciting for the students,
especially those that have never seen the control panel of an aircraft.
Students also learned about various careers in aerospace.
Elizabeth Schulz, a Commander at the Challenger Center took students
through the space station and explained how astronauts prepare and live
in space. She also told students about several famous astronauts
including Dr. Ron McNair, Major General Charles F. Bolden, Jr., and
Brigadier General Charles Dukes.
During Space Day, two portraits of outer space were unveiled by
Commander Cannon. These images were of the Whirlpool Galaxy and the
Stella Spire in the Eagle Nebula. They were released to celebrate the
15th anniversary of the Hubble Telescope and are now on exhibit at the
Challenger Learning Center.
Space Day was an awesome event and the Challenger Center has received
many rave reviews. People volunteered to share their knowledge with
young people and those in attendance were very appreciative.
Organizations had an outlet to showcase their programs and students
participated in experiences that will shape their minds and prepare
them for a lifetime.
Submitted by:
Challenger Center For Space Science Education
May 12, 2005