Castle Challenger Learning Center Foundation 
PROGRAMS FOR GRADES 4 AND UP

Space Missions

In 2009, we will take groups to outer space in November and December.
 In 2010, more exciting missions will launch from March through June!

Individuals become Mission Specialists selected to serve on one of the eight teams critical to the success of this mission. From the operations deck of the spacecraft to the rows of monitors at Mission Control, teamwork is essential. Each crew member will have an opportunity to experience both Mission Control and a spacecraft crew station. We offer three mission scenarios.
Price for Mission = $600.00 for up to 36 individuals (Teacher Training is included in price and required).

Bookings for dates in November and December will receive a $100 discount.

School Groups: Monday through Friday, up to three sessions per day (Start times 8:30; 11:00; 1:30)
Other start times available on request.

Corporate, service groups, private parties: late afternoon, evenings and weekends by reservation

Please refer to the Space Missions page for more details. 

Mirrordome Planetarium

Introduce yourself to the wonderful world of astronomy! Our 12 ft. high inflatable planetarium with a 20 ft. diameter can easily accommodate 36 students! The lessons for the MIRRORDOME are flexible in time length.

 Available Shows:
Our Solar System - Take a tour of the planets!
Stellarium - View the night sky! Learn about the constellations, and hear stories from ancient times that truly bring them to life.
Earth's Wild Ride! - Join a family viewing the Earth from the moon in the year 2081 during a solar eclipse. In this 3-D animated film, as a grandfather tells his grandchildren about how Earth was and is like, we see roaring dinosaurs, crashing asteroids, and ice age mammoths. We travel through canyons of raging rivers, over an erupting volcano, and through a thunder and lightning storm. Students learn about eclipses, Earth's water cycle, and the differences between Earth and Moon.
It's About Time - Ride a space elevator from the Earth's surface to orbit, and see the universe through a "time telescope" that views celestial objects in "real time."
Cellestia - Travel to distant points in our Solar System and beyond.
Ring World - Learn about the Cassini-Huygens mission to Saturn and  its moon, Titan!
Two Small Pieces of Glass: The Amazing Telescope - While attending a star party, two teenage students learn how the telescope has helped us understand our place in space and how telescopes continue to expand our understanding of the universe. While looking through the astronomer's telescope, the students, along with the planetarium audience, explore the Galilean moons, Saturn's rings, and the spiral structure of galaxies. The astronomer discusses the discoveries of Galileo, Huygens, Newton, Hubble, and many others.

Regular (2 hrs) $ 250 grade level 4-adult (with mission $ 225)

 

STC Programs:

Scavenger Hunt

CSI Chem Mystery

Please refer to STC page for details. 

Physics Programs:

Astrophysics Program

Emphasizes gravity and Newton’s three Laws of Motion.  Students calculate what it takes to put a satellite into orbit based on these principles.  Program emphasizes student participation in learning motion concepts.  The mathematical basis for physical laws are verified through hands on experimentation.   Grades 4 and up $200 1 hour session or $250 2 hour session

Simple Machines Program

Teaches the six basic simple machines.  Students then plan and execute how to move a 200 lb. weight and  elevate it 6 ft. using these simple machines.  Grades 4 and up $150 1 hour session with paid STC group tour

Creative Car Building

Using common objects found around the house and a supplied motor and battery, students construct an electric car. This is an open-ended activity ideal for extension back in the classroom. A very simple design can be modified to develop the techniques of scientific investigation, one variable at a time.  $250 + $3 per student for materials

Rocketry Programs 

Chemical Rockets:  

Blast into science with student constructed rockets powered by solid rocket fuel engines that can soar to unbelievable heights. Energy stored in chemical form is released at launch. The best flights will come from rockets constructed with the least aerodynamic drag and the most stable flight.  Grades 4 & up $250 + $3 per student for materials (2 hr. session)

Water Rockets/Eggstronauts:

Interactive age appropriate aerodynamics lecture followed by building of rockets to launch  Egg-stronauts.   Students will be challenged to design and construct rockets that will utilize compressed air and water to propel raw eggs 30 feet or more into the air before landing. Egg survival will depend on packaging and/or velocity of descent. 
Any Age $250          (2 hour session) 

Stomp Rockets

Students construct rockets from a pattern. The rockets are propelled across an auditorium by  students stomping on a plastic soda bottle full of compressed air.
$200 per group of 36 students

In-School Programs!

Our Science and Technology staff is excited to bring these programs to school classrooms. Call us for scheduling details. (See above for program descriptions.)

Water Rockets - $250.00 for 2 hours

Air Rockets - $125.00 for 1 hour (See "Programs K - 3" for description.)

Stomp Rockets - $125.00 for 1 hour

Creative Car Building - $250.00 + $3 per motor for 2 hours

Dome Show - $150.00 for 1 hour

Science Demos customized to your needs - $150.00 for 1 hour

Prices are per 32 students with pro-rated charges for additional students.

There is an additional mileage/travel time charge of 58 cents per mile and $25 per half hour from Castle Science and Technology Center to your site.