Challenger Center opens on 25th anniversary

Fox 41.com: Challenger Center opens on 25th anniversary
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB Fox 41) -- It's all systems go for a Louisville school launching the Challenger Learning Center.

Students from the Academy at Shawnee are remembering the victims of the space shuttle Challenger explosion -- and learning about future of space exploration at the same time.

Today is the 25th anniversary of the explosion.

These high school kids weren't even born when it happened, but they're taking that tragedy and turning it into a positive experience.

Families of the challenger crew started these interactive space learning centers for teachers and students to explore space using state-of-the-art simulators.

Fifty of these centers are in 31 states, and now The Academy at Shawnee is home to one.

The grand opening ceremony kicked off Friday morning with Mayor Greg Fischer and school board members. Teachers hope the space simulators plant seeds that will grow interest in science, technology, engineering and math.

The hope is that one day these kids will eventually pursue careers in these fields -- like former Challenger astronaut Dr. Norman E Thagard.

Teachers say the center will also help kids become critical-thinkers and teach them team building.

The Challenger Learning Center at Shawnee is not just exclusive to these students. It will be available to all students across Kentucky and southern Indiana.