Search for a Hawaiian monk seal that’s gone missing, work with paleontologists to identify bones of a ground sloth, and support park rangers on their quest to classify a plant that could destroy the Smoky Mountains.
Developed by teachers for teachers, Classroom Adventures serve as a launch point to science units for grades 3-5. The Adventures are earth science, life science, and/or physical science themed and include three, one-hour blocks of programming.
Kickoff your unit with our interactive simulation, then integrate the engineering challenge and writing exercise where it fits best in your unit plan. Each Adventure gives students an understanding of how the topics they learn in school relate to the real world in an exciting, interactive environment.
To learn more about Classroom Adventures and availability, please email the Center at challenger@mc3.edu.
Choose an Adventure
Aquatic Investigators
(coming soon)
The Commander of an undersea lab informs the students that Hawaiian monk seals are missing from their usual home in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. The Commander asks the class to determine what caused them to leave their home, in hopes of finding the missing Hawaiian monk seals. As they work to find the answer, a seaquake takes place damaging the undersea lab and putting the crew at risk. The team must work together to quickly repair the lab and ensure the safety of the crew. When the crisis is averted, the group can return to their search for the Hawaiian monk seals.
Science teams:
- Chemists
- Ecologists
- Engineers
- Marine Biologists
Educational goals:
- Introduce students to the interconnectedness of the ocean ecosystem.
- Introduce students to outside forces impacting the health of the ocean.
- Inspire students to solve problems using the engineering design process.
- Emphasize the importance of communicating scientific ideas through non-fiction writing.
Dirt Decoders
(coming soon)
A paleontologist in the American Southwest calls in the student experts after he finds
two important ground sloth bones in a place they don’t belong. The paleontologist
asks for the students to figure out where the bones came from and find the rest of
the bones that complete the skeleton. As they examine a series of scientific breadcrumbs,
the students learn that a nearby geologist is trapped in a flooded cave and needs
their help. They must help rescue the geologist and then return to decoding their
findings.
Science teams:
- Biologists
- Cartographers
- Geologists
- Paleontologists
Educational goals:
- Introduce students to rock formations and fossils.
- Introduce students to the ways in which weathering, and erosion alter landscapes.
- Inspire students to solve problems using the engineering design process.
- Emphasize the importance of communicating scientific ideas through non-fiction writing.
Natures Rangers
(coming soon)
A park ranger in the Great Smoky Mountains briefs the studentson a mystery plant that may not be native to the area and asks for their help identifying the plant. As the students identify the plant and analyze the impact it could have on the ecosystem, they realize it is invasive and must be eliminated immediately. However, they soon realize that a bridge leading to their supplies has been washed out by an overnight storm. The classmates use teamwork and code breaking skills to access the supplies. Only then can the team return to their task of eliminating the invasive plant and saving the Great Smoky Mountains.
Science teams:
- Biologists
- Botanists
- Ecologists
- Foresters
Educational goals:
- Introduce students to the life cycle and structure of plants.
- Introduce students to the interconnectedness of forest ecosystems.
- Inspire students to solve problems using the engineering design process.
- Emphasize the importance of communicating scientific ideas through non-fiction writing.
In-Person Simulation Missions
This space-themed simulation-based experiences is led by trained Flight Directors and takes place in a fully immersive Space Station and Mission Control at the Center in Pottstown.
Virtual Missions
Designed for students in grades 5-8, the one-hour virtual missions are delivered in real-time and focus on the importance of teamwork and collaboration.
