|
Bringing Space Science into the Classroom
Even prior to the building and opening of the Columbia Memorial
Space Science Learning Center, advances in technology and connectivity
allow us to offer programs that bring Challenger Learning Center
missions directly into the classroom.
These programs - called "e-Missions" - use the Internet
and other distance learning technologies to create a live link between
students and our flight directors at "Mission Control."
e-Mission: Operation Montserrat
During e-Mission: Operation Montserrat, students organize as teams
of specialists drawn together to help the residents of a tropical
island deal with emergency conditions caused by weather and geological
disturbances. Using computers, the Internet and a small video camera,
students interact with the flight director to track the hurricane,
predict volcanic rock fall, and determine how these conditions will
impact the island’s air, land, water and vegetation.
To launch and view the e-Mission web site, click
here.
Curriculum
The program addresses state and national educational standards
in the areas of mathematics and science for students in 6th through
12th grades. Operation Montserrat Island builds students’
enthusiasm for science and math, improves problem solving and
critical thinking skills, and teaches the importance of teamwork
and communication.
Teachers
Prior to the mission, teachers participate in two days of training
to acquaint them with the mission. They receive a pre-flight curriculum
designed for incorporation into daily lesson plans. Continuing
education units are available for the training through Cal State
Dominguez Hills.
Student Activities
Students prepare for four weeks prior to mission day. First they
select a specialty area: biosphere, lithosphere, atmosphere or
hydrosphere. They are then assigned to an emergency response team
(ERT). In the following weeks they engage in preparatory activities
in which they collect data about emergency events, analyze the
data, and learn to make logical recommendations based upon scientific
analysis.
On mission day, students join one of four crisis management teams
and use their science knowledge and math skills to avert possible
disaster for the island’s eight thousand residents. In a
two-hour period, volcano teams and hurricane teams analyze the
data and determine the risks to the people of the island. The
data is presented to the evacuation team, which then determines
a plan of action for saving the islanders.
Teams
- Communications: Coordinates all verbal and written communications
between Mission Control and the other teams.
- Volcano: Downloads and analyzes seismic data from a satellite;
makes predictions of volcanic activity and forwards to other
teams.
- Hurricane: Downloads data on the hurricane location and intensity.
Tracks path and speed and predicts the impact on the island.
Forwards predictions to the other teams.
- Evacuation: Researches the island of Montserrat in preparation
for the threatening volcano and hurricane. Determines what evacuation
procedures to relay to the island.
For more information or to register a class for an e-Mission, contact
us at 562-904-7239.
|
