FAQ and center policies

The field trip costs $700 per group of 30 students.

The day lasts between 3.5 and 4.5 hours depending on each school’s transportation needs.

• 8:55 – 9:00 a.m.
  Buses arrive at the Challenger Learning Center.
  One of our staff members will meet you on the bus for directions.
• 9:00 a.m.
  Class #1 walks to the briefing room to begin the Expedition Mars Space Simulation
  Class #2 walks to the STEM lab for ancillary activities
• 10:30 – 10:55 a.m.
  Class #2 eats lunch
• 10:55 a.m. – 12:50 p.m.
  Class #2 in the briefing room to begin the Expedition Mars Space Simulation
• 10:55 – 11:20 a.m.
  Class #1 eats lunch
• 11:20 a.m. – 12:50 p.m.
  Class #1 in the STEM lab for ancillary activities
• 1:00 p.m.
  Schools depart from the center

We can serve 2 groups each day. Each group can have a maximum of 30 students so we can serve 60 students per day.

We can flex times by shortening lunch and moving transition times along. We also have methods to shorten the activities that will still ensure a rigorous fun-filled day for your students.

Download the Crew Manifest

Download the Teacher’s Guide

At this time, we do not provide off-site programs.

Parent chaperones are not required. If you choose to bring them, please bring no more than 2 parents per group of 30 students.

There is no limit to the number of school staff for each group.

At this time we do not offer souvenirs or items for purchase.

Students and teachers bring sack lunches. We have a refrigerator available.

You need to bring two things:

1. Completed crew manifests for each group
2. Final payment if you have not already sent it. We accept checks, and MasterCard and Visa payments made via our online portal.
   (Click here to access online payment system.)

You can email challenger@wcusd200.org or call (815) 338-7722. Book as early as possible as our space is limited (there is an astronomy joke there somewhere!).

Our Challenger Learning Center Commanders and Flight Directors are all experienced educators who are committed to STEM education.

Teacher training sessions are not required but these sessions do provide valuable insights into our program and facility. A tour and exploration of our new Expedition Mars mission will enhance your field trip experience.  Register for teacher training

We are not open on the weekends or weekdays to the general public. Our Family Science Nights, summer camps and field trips are all by reservation only.

You can register for a Family Science Night here.

At this time, we do not have a store.

We are always looking for great volunteers!  Email us at challenger@wcusd200.org for information.

In order to focus on our STEM mission, we do not host birthday parties.

We do not have merit badge programs.

All scout events are pre-scheduled with local councils. Contact Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois, Blackhawk Council or your local Scouting organization to find out if they are planning a Challenger Learning Center program.

Yes and many do. The price is the same as for families: $20/person and children must be supervised by adults/ leaders using the ratios set by your organization.