Students' experience is Out of this World!

Eighth grade Enrichment students from Washington, Roosevelt, and Lincoln junior high schools attended a NASA Simulation at Purdue University in Hammond on Wednesday, October 21st.

At the Challenger Learning Center, all of the students were assigned actual tasks that real astronauts perform. Their mission involved a mock trip to Mars where they experienced simulated dust storms as well as oxygen and clean water emergencies.

Each student played specific roles in both the spacecraft and at Mission Control. The assignments varied from the Medical Team on which the students learned how to take someone's blood pressure and pulse, to the Navigation Team which involved plotting escape routes for stranded hikers. Students learned problem solving skills throughout the day.

One student mentioned this was the fastest day in his entire life and another indicated he would like a career at NASA.