The end of February brought the annual trip to the Challenger Learning Center in Tallahassee for all eighth grade students at Thomas County Middle School. The students cooperated as teams to successfully complete a simulated Mars Mission. Students in Mars Command directed students in a spacecraft headed to Mars as the crew tried to build a remotely operated vehicle and discover if there is water on Mars. Students also had the opportunity to view a 3D IMAX movie and some fascinating demonstrations that reinforced physics concepts that they have learned about in the classroom. “Doing the simulated mission was so much fun. It really added to the way we learn things in the classroom and showed me there is a use for what we’re learning,” said Jesse Benton, an Alpha Company student.  

Once again, Flowers Industries funded the trip for every student. “When my sister was in eighth grade, she went to the Challenger Center as well. She told stories about the activities offered there, and it always sparked my interest. I’m thankful that Flowers Industries still funds this trip and allows us to have this experience,” said Hailey Atkinson, a Zulu Company student.

Pictured below is De’Shaun Lovejoy and Logan Brock participating in the simulated Mars mission at the Challenger Learning Center.