The Space Day educational initiative is dedicated to celebrating the extraordinary achievements, benefits, and opportunities in the exploration and use of space. But it's not just about recognizing the past; it's about inspiring the next generation to continue the work of today's space explorers.

Since its launch in 1997, the Space Day program has promoted mathematics, science, technology, and engineering education for young people all over the world.

Through its various activities, Space Day attracts the participation of hundreds of thousands of teachers and millions of students. Events held in support of Space Day have taken place in over 25 countries and on six continents.

Space Day 2007 coming soon!

Partners

Since 1998, Challenger Center has been Space Days lead education partner. We are proud to be one of 75 official Space Day partners.

Each year, Challenger Center creates and manages the Space Day Design Challenges competition. This interdisciplinary activity invites students in grades 4 through 8 to work together and devise creative solutions to thematic space-related problems.

Design Challenges are based on the realization that some of the best learning occurs when students work together for a common goal. But these are no ordinary goals. In recent years, students have been tasked with developing and building a working rover. They have designed a new tool that can assist astronauts in space. They have even created clever new ways for astronauts to exercise on board a space station.

Students don't just imagine they are engineers and scientists. They become engineers and scientists. Their work often involves the same frustrations and successes that challenge their counterparts at NASA or the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. As they craft solutions, they also follow similar scientific processes using concepts of mathematics, science, and technology; initiating independent research; and asking questions of other scientific professionals.

The Design Challenges address the United States National Research Councils National science Education Standards, as well as the recommendations of the American Association for the Advancement of Sciences Benchmarks for Science Literacy for a Changing Future and Project 2061.

At the regional level, the strength and reach of the Challenger Learning Center Network allows students all across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom to participate in local Space Day activities. Each Challenger Learning Center is encouraged to develop unique Space Day programs that support the educational goals of their communities.