The Challenger Learning Center of Alaska just wrapped up their final simulated mission of the 2020-2021 school year as fifth and sixth graders from Tok traveled to visit the center.
Marnie Olcott, CEO of the Challenger Learning Center spoke to KSRM saying that COVID-19 made it tough for learning this past year, “We went from a completely booked up spring season with our schools from around the state coming into us to nothing overnight. Being that we are a revenue-driven non-profit, we don’t receive public funds for operation. Clearly that was as devastating to us as it was to any small organization or business. We had so many things planned for last summer including a major exchange STEM Academy program with Bermuda students and Alaskan students. We had to quickly revamp and move that into a virtual environment, which we did, and resulted in a national award that we won for that program. Then we used the success of that program and the model as a catalyst to really drive the future of virtual programs that we were then able to offer out to students and schools, home learners as well, that could not get down to us.”
This summer will focus more on community events and summer academies and then as they move into the fall the Challenger Learning Center will revive the Geo-Challenge Fundraiser, which is scheduled for September 18th.
Near the end of the month, Challenger will host a Community Science Night on May 25th which will revolve around the mysteries of the moon and earth. Activities include energy, temperature mapping, microscope exploration, sundials, seeds and renewable energy. In June, Summer STEM Academies will offer week-long camps. They include Material Science for campers entering third and fourth graders, CSI for campers entering fifth and sixth grade, and Space Camp for campers entering first and second grade. Parents interested in registering your child are encouraged to do so soon as the deadline is approaching.
The 2020-2021 school year marked 91 total virtual STEM classes, 12 City of Kenai virtual programs, 21 total simulated missions, 20 sponsored Marathon Missions, 25 workshops, and 16 cold water survival trainings.
