Lunar Challenge Adaptations

The majority of this website describes the full community- supported version of Lunar Challenge.  Click here to review the comprehensive program overview.  Similar student outcomes, of increased interest in STEM learning and careers, knowledge of systems thinking and comfort using an inquiry approach can be achieved when the program is implemented without active parent participation or the input of community role models. Here are some examples of successful applications:  
 

• Classroom Teachers:  Meet National Science standards for the Unifying Concepts and Processes using this team challenge with your classroom of 15-30 students.  Simply follow Weeks 1-4 activities with all-student teams.  You will need a custodian, principal or your own master key to lead the school tour.  No other mentors are required. Results can be displayed during a science fair or in the library for parents to share.
   

• After-School Program Providers:  Due to the open inquiry emphasis (there is no "right answer" for the colony design), instructors should feel completely comfortable leading this program. Guidelines with what you need to say are fully scripted, with background materials and email support for each session included in the teacher materials. Click here for an excerpted agenda sample.  Mixing age groups, with older students acting as teammates and mentors for younger students works well. Some schools have offered Lunar Challenge as a special parent extension to normal after school program hours, beginning with a pizza dinner at pick up time and running into the evenings.  Lunar Challenge works well with both at-risk and enrichment groups.
   

• Summer Science Camps:  Lunar Challenge offers an excellent team-based kids' strand within your summer program, culminating with a whole group colony presentation on the final day.
   

• Scouts/Y's: Lunar Challenge has been successfully woven throughout camp-in and parent/child weekends. Contact us to work with you.