January, 2017
Challenger Spotlight
Thank You for Making 2016 a Great Year!

Challenger Colorado would like to thank all of the schools and educators who partnered with our organization in 2016.  Our programs were able to reach over 21,000 students last year! The scope and impact of our STEM programs was possible because of the hard work from dedicated schools and great educators

Challenger appreciates the work you have contributed to planning, teacher training, classroom prep, bus scheduling and more.  Thank you for sending your students to our Center and inviting us into your schools.

Challenger Colorado is looking forward to 
another great year in 2017!

SeaPerch Grants are Closed
The grant application period for new SeaPerch kits has closed. If you have not submitted a SeaPerch kit grant application, we encourage you to apply next fall.  The SeaPerch grant is typically announced in late November or early December each year.  Challenger is excited for our SeaPerch Design Challenge in February of 2017!
Calendar of Events for Teachers
January 21 - New Teacher Training 
Who: Teachers running their first simulator mission
Location: Challenger Center
Time: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm (lunch is provided)

This training is designed specifically for teachers new to Challenger Simulator Missions.  You will participate in your own mission, and learn how to best prepare your students for Challenger.  By participating in this training you will receive 1 credit hour (16 contact hours) of PD.  If you have any questions concerning scheduling missions, or signing up for training please contact our Registrar  Marty Gantz:  [email protected]
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January 23 - Kinder & 1st Grade LEGO Design Challenge 
Who: Kindergarten & 1st Grade students
Location: Library 21C (Briargate) 

Teams of students will compete to build a mystery design using their Early Simple Machines LEGO kits.  Registration is now closed.

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January 25 & 26 - 2nd & 3rd Grade LEGO Design Challenge 
Who: 2nd & 3rd Grade students
Location: Library 21C (Briargate) 

Teams of students will compete to build a mystery design using their Simple Machines LEGO kits.  Due to the large number of teams participating the competition will be divided into two nights.  Participants will be informed which night to attend. Registration is now closed.

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February 6 & 13- 4th & 5th Grade LEGO Design Challenge 
Who: 4th & 5th Grade students
Location: Library 21C (Briargate) 

Teams of students will compete to build a mystery design using their WeDo LEGO kits.  Due to the large number of 4th & 5th grade teams participating, the competition will be divided into two nights.  Participants will be informed which night to attend. Registration is now closed.
 
  Competition Website
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February 16th - Returning Teacher Training 
Who: Teachers who have previously run simulator mission
Location: Challenger Center
Time: 5:00 - 7:00 pm (Dinner is provided)

This training is designed specifically for teachers have already brought a class to participate in a Challenger Simulator Mission.  We will update teachers on the changes we have made to the Crew Manifest and the Media Job.  By participating in this training you will receive 0.5 credit hours (8 contact hours) of PD.  If you have any questions concerning scheduling missions, or signing up for training please contact our Registrar Marty Gantz: 
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February 25 - SeaPerch Design Challenge
Who: 6th - 12th Grade students
Location: Coronado High School (Colorado Springs) 

Teams of up to 8 students will compete to operate their underwater robots through a variety of challenges.  All teams must register with Ron Bush in order to compete:  [email protected]

Competition Website
Our Night Sky
Our Night Sky

January
Venus
It will be the best time of year to view our closest planet neighbor.  Look towards the western horizon after sunset. 

January
Mercury
It will be the best time of year to view the smallest planet. Look towards the eastern horizon just before sunrise.

Jan 3 & 4
Quadrantids Meteor Shower Peak
Expect up to 40 meteors per hour at the peak.  The best viewing will occur around midnight.

See the International Space Station!

This website will calculate when and where you need to look to see the ISS in your city.
Teacher Web Resource
"Unsung Heros" Educator Grant

Voya is offering educator grants ranging from $2,000 - $27,000. Grants are given to K-12 educators utilizing new teaching methods and techniques that improve learning. Applications are due April 30th, 2017.
 
Space News
Cassini's Grand Finale

NASA's Cassini spacecraft is at the end of its fuel life.  Learn about the final goals of its mission in 2017.
 
Upcoming Global Launches
Jan 8
Florida
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch a communications satellite providing TV services to Brazil.
 
Jan 10
Japan
A Japanese SS-520-4 rocket will launch a demonstrative test flight with a CubeSat.
 
Jan 19
Florida
A ULA Atlas 5 rocket will launch a US military satellite providing missile early-warning detection.
 
Jan 20
India
India's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle will launch its first orbital test flight with an experimental satellite.
 
Jan 22
Florida
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch the 10th cargo delivery to the Space Station.
 
Jan 24
Japan
A Japanese H-2A rocket will launch a military communication satellite for Japan.
 
Jan 26
California
A ULA Atlas 5 rocket will launch a classified payload from the US National Reconnaissance Office.
 
Jan 27
French Guiana
A Soyuz rocket will launch a communications satellite that will service Europe and the Americas.
 
Jan 28
Kazakhstan
A Soyuz rocket will launch an Earth observation satellite for Russia.
 
Jan TBD
Florida
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch a communication satellite.  It will provide TV services for Central and South America.
 
Jan TBD
California
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch 10 satellites for the Iridium mobile communications fleet.
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The Challenger Learning Center of Colorado | 719-598-9755
| [email protected] | http://www.challengercolorado.org/
10215 Lexington Drive,  Suite 110
Colorado Springs, CO 80920

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