Voyages
 The Challenger Learning Center of Northwest Indiana now offers programs for 2nd - 4th grade students. Sky Voyages are offered as half or full day programs and include a teacher training workshop. For a half-day Sky Voyage, teachers can choose one of the three half-day programs: Constellations/Stars, Moon/Solar System, and Reasons for the Seasons. A full day Sky Voyage includes two half day options and also features lunchtime activities that include an astronaut food game and a sample of space ice cream. Merge the students imagination with discovery as they embark on a Sky Voyage in the Planetarium Dome/Activity Center.
Constellation/Stars-
 Using the MediaGlobe, young astronomers will be introduced to different interpretations of the constellations. They will locate constellations using Polaris as their navigational guide and engage in a hands-on activity that demonstrates the uniqueness of this star. Young astronomers will explore whether stars have colors and will place their stars in the sky during a hands-on activity. Students will view deep space images from the Hubble Telescope and conclude their Sky Voyage with the show Sky Quest, which highlights a woman living out her dream of becoming an astronomer.
|
Moon/Solar System-
 Using the MediaGlobe, young astronomers will observe the day and night cycle, lunar cycle and the phases of the Moon. They will experiment with light and darkness and model the changing appearance of the Moon. Students will continue their voyage with the show Moon Dreams which features the Moon formation, phases and effects on Earth's oceans and marine life. Moon Dreams will take students to Europa and Titan, two other moons in the solar system. Finally, students will play a moon card trading game and use critical thinking skills for a hands-on solar system activity. |
Reasons for the Seasons-
 This program is designed to help students understand the reasons for the seasons. The MediaGlobe will show the students that the number of hours of darkness and daylight is different throughout the year in each hemisphere. Students will then model the revolution of the Earth around the Sun to help them understand the reason for changes in the seasons seen throughout the year. Students will then engage in a hands-on activity that will show that the intensity of light affects the temperature of the Earth. With the help of the MediaGlobe, students will observe that the intensity of the Sun's light is different throughout the year at different latitudes on the Earth. Students will conclude their Sky Voyage by viewing a seasonal Sky Tonight show that corresponds to the current season and tells a story of the constellations. |
