Select Middle School students felt closer to outer space by participating at the Challenger Learning Center in Pottstown. The Learning Center offers the opportunity for students to work together through possible challenges they may find in outer space.

“The Challenger Learning Center allows our students to gain real-world experience on what it is like working for NASA,” said Middle School science teacher Nikki Smith. “They learned to problem solve in space or mission control and immerse themselves in jobs that involve robotics, medicine, communication, and geology.”

At the Challenger Learning Center, students on the Operation Comet mission received hands-on experience in space science and engineering through an immersive simulation. During the mission, they took on roles as astronauts, scientists, and engineers, working collaboratively to study a long-period comet that was passing close to Earth. When a sudden, high-stakes emergency arose, the team had to pivot, brainstorm, and work together to design a solution to a potentially world-saving challenge.

The simulation taught students several STEM principles and career-based skills, from the science behind comet formation to engineering problem-solving and how engineers and mission teams must adapt quickly to unexpected challenges. This helped to develop students’ critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity.

“Going to the Challenger Learning Center was one of the most fun experiences I have ever had,” said Alex F. ’29. “I got to learn in a hands-on experience about how astronauts and mission control personnel work in their daily lives. The part that I enjoyed most about this center was how interactive it was. I liked all the details that were added to make it feel real. I learned that you need a lot of people and resources to accomplish a mission like this, and the key to this is teamwork.”

Lucas H. ’30 also had a great time. “One of the major things that I learned was that mission control is just as important, if not more important, than the space shuttle for the success of a mission. I also learned that each person, no matter their task, serves a very important role in the crew.”

By completing the Challenger Center’s Operation Comet mission, students came away with a new appreciation for STEM careers, a boost in their confidence with problem-solving, and a deeper understanding of how scientists and engineers tackle real-world challenges. The experience also allowed them to feel the thrill of discovery and the importance of teamwork and adaptability—valuable skills that will serve them well in any future career path.

Middle School science teacher Nikki Smith and Middle School math teacher Anthony Commale contributed to this article.