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Home / See & Do / George Observatory / Challenger at the George
Challenger Learning Center at George Observatory
An interactive, space flight simulation, learning experience for children!
Challenger Center Missions at the George Observatory take advantage of space exploration to fuel the imagination and bring a unique hands-on learning experience to every student. Students are divided into teams and perform tasks that include navigation, medical testing, data relay, life support, probe assembly, and robot operation.
From the operations deck of the Spacecraft to the consoles at Mission Control, students discover that teamwork, communications and problem solving are essential. The Challenger Center experience begins with classroom training activities and addresses TEKS science objectives. Learn more:
See a Challenger Mission in action:
To make reservations for a Challenger mission at the George Observatory, call (713) 639-4735 and choose the option for school or group sales.
Missions at the George Observatory
Missions can be scheduled to begin at any time from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Monday - Saturday.
For information call: (281) 242-3055 or (979) 553-3400. To schedule a weekday mission, call (713) 639-4735. To schedule a Saturday mission, call (281) 242-3055.
Full Mission
| Fee*: |
$280/mission |
| Max: |
40 students/mission |
| Grades: |
4-12 (GFM/GCC)
or ages 9-90! | In this two hour adventure, students spend half of their time as astronauts aboard the spacecraft and the other half at the consoles in Mission Control. All students are astronauts and mission controllers.
SS Observer Mini Mission
| Fee*: |
$160/mission |
| Max: |
20 students/mission |
| Grades: |
4-12 (GMM/GCC)
or ages 9-90! | Students become astronauts operating the spacecraft on
a one-hour mission. Museum staff will operate Mission Control for the spacecraft.
Junior Mission
| Fee*: |
$185/mission |
| Max: |
20 students/mission |
| Grades: |
2-4 (GJM/GCC)
or ages 8-9! | This unique hour and a half program gives children in grades 2-4 the opportunity to fly into space. Eight participating adults must accompany the children. An
adult will be trained to help each team with their
space flight. All students will spend approximately 30 minutes in the spacecraft and 30 minutes in mission control.
*Note: We have found that the mission experience can be too intense for children under the age of 8.
*Plus $1.00 park entrance fee per person.
MegaMissions at the George
These special programs are only available at the George Observatory.
Teachers can combine a Challenger Mission with specific content classes to maximize the field trip experience. The Mega Mission will include an , a tour of the observatory, and a view of the Sun through our solar telescope, weather permitting.
Find the Mega Mission that’s Right For You!
Mega-Full Mission
| Fee*: |
$380 |
| Max: |
40 students/mission |
| Grades: |
4-12 | This three hour adventure includes one Full Mission, a day class of your choice, and a tour of the observatory.
Mega-Mini Mission
| Fee*: |
$260 |
| Max: |
20 students/mission |
| Grades: |
4-12 | This two hour mission includes one Mini Mission, a day class of your choice, and a tour of the observatory.
Mega-Junior Mission
| Fee*: |
$285 |
| Max: |
20 students/mission |
| Grades: |
2-4 | This two hour program includes one Junior Mission, a day class of your choice, and a tour of the observatory.
*Plus $1.00 state park entrance fee per person.
Daytime Astronomy Classes
| Max: |
40 students/class |
| Grades: |
K-12, tailored
to grade level | All astronomy classes are available Monday - Friday,
9am - 3pm, without the Mega packages for $120
(+$1.00 state park entrance fee per person).
Topics for classesExploring the Night Sky (GDC)
The original day class includes a slide show highlighting the night sky, as well as hands-on activities investigating telescopes, spectroscopes, and other tools used by astronomers.
Deep Space and Beyond: Your Visa to the Universe (GA1)
Explore what is out there beyond our solar system!
The Colorful Night Sky (GA2)
Learn about red giants, white dwarves, black holes and our yellow star!
What’s Up? (GA3)
All about what you see in the sky from your own backyard, including simple tools and useful Internet sites.
Our Neighborhood in Space: The Solar System (GA4)
Learn all about our solar system. This class is designed for students in grades K-3.
If you have a special interest in an astronomy topic not listed above, please call the Observatory at 281-242-3055.
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