HIGH-LIGHTS FROM OUR MISSION TRIP TO THE
CHALLENGER SPACE AND SCIENCE CENTER IN
COLUMBUS, GEORGIA.
Students and their parents connect to successfully complete
a simulated Shuttle Mission to Mars and The Flying High
learning activity at the Coca-Cola Space and Rocket Center
in Columbus, Georgia on December 12, 2006.
Classroom
Prep for the Journey 
Students developed science and math concepts in preparation for their field trip to the Space and Science Museum in Columbus, Ga through discovery, experimentation and computer-assisted learning.
The Life Lab students experimented with chromotography ; identified whether a substance was acidic, basic, or neutral using a ph scale and universal indicator paper; participated in a Mission Survival activity in which they were required to use higher level thinking skills, team consensus and prioritizing to survive in a hostile environment ; built a spectroscope and used Microsoft Word/Works to create a chart that compared varying light signatures for sunlight, a blacklight, and a fluorescent light; used medical instruments to measure pulse rates and blood pressure.(fifth grade class); applied percent and decimals in an activity in which they determined and compared their weight on various planets. Students applied for and completed job applications for crew positions they would be responsible for during the mission and designed mission patches.
Students discover that different types of light have varying electromagetic signatures through creating spectroscopes using paper towel cylinders and defraction grating. Students analyzed the light signatures of sunlight, fluorescent and black lights and discovered that each signature is different.
