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Sixth Graders Take On Mock Space Missions

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Sixth Graders Take On Mock Space Missions

Sixth graders at Bronxville Middle School embarked on an exciting educational adventure during their field trip to the Buehler Challenger & Science Center in Paramus, New Jersey, on June 1. They took on the roles of astronauts, geologists, biologists, robotic and weather scientists, navigators and engineers while participating in an immersive simulated space mission to Mars.

“Throughout the simulation, they faced realistic challenges that required problem-solving, teamwork and quick decision-making as they worked toward completing their mission objectives,” science teacher Frank Viggiani said. “They worked together to protect a Mars research station, investigate the Martian environment, and solve emergencies. The students were divided between a spacecraft and mission control, with everyone playing a critical role in mission success.”

As part of the challenge, the communications officer communicated with astronauts on a microphone and headset for the whole crew to hear. The medical officer performed tests on the crew while the probe team was building the probe to launch to a site on Mars. The weather team worked on tracking dust storms, and the geology team examined rock samples from Mars. The life support team kept the crew safe on the spacecraft, and at the mission control, the students communicated with their partners on the spacecraft.  

Prior to their visit, the students learned about the Challenger tragedy in 1986, as well as Christa McAuliffe, the teacher on board the shuttle. They also created mission patches and practiced reading task cards like astronauts. 

“Seeing the students so engaged in their role on the spacecraft and mission control is what the Challenger trip is all about,” Viggiani said. “Knowing we are helping to continue Christa McAuliffe’s mission of teaching lessons in space 40 years after the Challenger disaster makes the entire experience so worthwhile for all the students and teachers. The students leave the mission talking about how much fun that was.”

To participate in the missions, the students filled out job applications, wrote persuasive letters and attached them to their resumes.

“The hands-on activities reinforced concepts the students have been studying in science while inspiring curiosity about future careers in STEM,” Viggiani said. “Some of our students are really interested in science. This Challenger trip might be the spark for a student to pursue an interest in one aspect of STEM.”

In addition, the students had the opportunity to connect virtually with former NASA astronaut Scott Parazynski in May, which was arranged by June Scobee Rodgers, the wife of the commander on the Challenger shuttle tragedy. He shared his experiences and provided insight into what it’s like to participate in emergency spacewalks. He was also the doctor on board when John Glenn returned to space as the oldest astronaut.

  • Middle School
A young girl in a blue vest looks into a microscope at a desk in the foreground, with a stool and cabinet visible in the dimly lit background.
Two young girls in blue sashes examine a computer console in the foreground, while other people stand behind them in a room with monitors and equipment.
Two young girls in blue vests stand in front of a computer console with a red and white striped wall in the background.
Two boys in blue vests examine a bright light in the foreground, while other children work at tables in the background.
A young girl in the foreground peers into a display case, while in the background, a %22Clean Room%22 sign is visible above a doorway.
Two boys in blue vests are engaged in a science experiment, with one writing on a clipboard in the foreground and the other reaching towards a lit panel in the background.
A smiling boy in a blue blanket sits at a console with a keyboard and mouse, while a screen displays complex data in the background.
Two boys in blue vests examine a clipboard in front of a wall-mounted control panel.
A young boy smiles at the camera while sitting at a computer console in the foreground, with other children and an adult in a blue uniform visible in the background.
In the foreground, a young girl with long brown hair wearing a blue vest and green goggles looks to her left, while in the background, several people in white lab coats and green goggles stand near a control panel.
Students sit at desks in a classroom, facing a large screen displaying a video call, with a teacher standing near the windows in the background.
In the foreground, several young people in blue vests are gathered around consoles in a simulated space station, while the background reveals more stations labeled %22BOT,%22 %22GEO,%22 and %22MED.%22
Two smiling girls in white protective suits stand in a small room with a %22First Aid Station%22 sign visible in the background.
A woman in a blue uniform gestures towards screens labeled %22DATA SELECT%22 and %22MISSION STATUS%22 while a group of children in blue shirts observe a control panel in the foreground.
A group of children and adults stand on a grassy hill in front of a dense line of trees.
Two young boys in blue vests look intently at papers on a table labeled %22MISSION COMMANDER%22 in the foreground, while a futuristic-looking exhibit with screens and a dome is visible in the background.
A young boy in a blue and white striped shirt looks at a paper in front of a monitor displaying a room with desks, while in the background, other children and adults are visible near control panels and a dome-shaped structure.