Mission to Mars
Hey readers,
Ever dream of going into space? Some students are doing just that, and earning a grade in the process.
Okay, they don’t really go up into space. However, the Ontario Science Centre’s Challenger Learning Centre is still an out-of-this-world experience!
I recently had the chance to visit and watch students embark on a mission to Mars.
First, everyone was split into two groups: Mission Control and Space Craft.
The major tasks were for the Space Craft crew to land on Mars safely, and then launch probes to the Martian moons with the help of Mission Control.
Here are some highlights from the day. Fasten your seat belts!
The Space Craft team settled into their roles.
Welcome aboard the spacecraft
Time to take some orders from the commander.
Students listen to their next task
On to Mission Control…
View of from a Mission Control desk
Mission Control keeps a keen eye on the spacecraft through live video feed.
The Space Craft crew are always monitored
I also has the chance to visit the life lab while I was at the Centre. Dr. Julielynn Wong showed me some amazing items from space!
Here, Dr. Wong is showing me how astronauts give fillings in space. The tool she’s using came out of a 3D printer. Astronauts have 3D printers in space to print out tools on demand.
Dr. Wong shows how astronauts fix cavities in space
A closer look at Dr. Wong fixing a tooth with a 3D printed tool
This tool was also printed on a 3D printer.
Cool 3D printed space tool
What a great time! I even got to try on some space gear on my way out. They were actually props from a movie, but it was still fun to pretend!
I’m ready to blast off!
Learn more about the Challenger Learning Centre at the Ontario Science Centre here.
Bye for now, readers!
Melissa, chickadeeblog@owlkids.com
