UTC’s Hidden Gem: visitors can explore the Universe at the Challenger STEM Learning Center

Chattanooga, TN – The Ultimate Space Expedition

An educational journey to the stars awaits visitors in a small corner of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) campus. The Challenger STEM Learning Center, a hidden gem at UTC, provides an immersive space flight simulation experience for all.

Legacy Rooted in Tragedy

The Challenger STEM Learning Center was established in honor of the seven-person crew who tragically lost their lives in the 1986 space shuttle Challenger disaster. The initiative, led by June Scobee Rodgers—the wife of Challenger Captain Richard Scobee—and the families of the crew, aimed to educate and inspire future generations.

The center plans to carry on a forward-looking legacy rooted in curiosity, collaboration, innovation, and perseverance. It strives to cultivate tomorrow’s creative problem solvers through meaningful learning experiences, interactive adventures, and team-building exercises for a varied audience.

Education Focus

Constructed in 1994, it was the first Challenger Center built on a college campus. “We were the very first, which allowed us to become educationally focused,” said Dr. Valerie Rutledge, dean of the UTC College of Health, Education and Professional Studies. The center annually provides extensive knowledge to thousands of K-12 students covering a wide range of topics.

Hands-on Learning Experience

The unique features of the center include a model mission control room, a flight simulator, and a spacecraft for experiments. Additionally, it offers numerous breakout rooms for extended activities and learning opportunities. These hands-on learning experiences are not usually available in a traditional classroom setting.

A Glimpse at a Space Educator’s Life

Bill Floyd, the resident space educator, shared his passion for space exploration. A former teacher and engineer, Floyd leads and educates students through the center’s diverse activities.
“The mission objective in the Mars mission is to get a rover down on the surface of Mars and find signs of life and water,” Floyd explained.

Exploring the Universe Safely from Earth

Visitors have the opportunity to dive into the world of space exploration, leveraging the center’s simulator. Groups can experience working in the command center, preparing the crew with necessary information collected on the ground and also perform missions in the spacecraft.

Rob Lein, a former school teacher and current Exploration Specialist at the center, stressed the importance of children’s experiences outside traditional classrooms. “Students at the Challenger Center can remember the crew of the Challenger and everyone that’s served in that capacity, whether on the ground or in space. They also get the chance to experience the joy of space flight themselves while safely here on Earth.”

Conclusion

The Challenger STEM Learning Center at UTC indeed offers a one-of-a-kind educational experience, bridging between past NASA endeavors and future possibilities in space exploration.

For more information, visit UTC Challenger STEM Learning Center.

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