Middle schools students learn about comets

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Courtesy photo

Middle school students enjoyed a special science-related field trip last week.

Gabriella Finn, Student Contributor

Thirteen eighth grade students experienced a “Rendezvous with a Comet” at the Challenger Learning Center in Wheeling, West Virginia, on Friday, May 12.

Students participated in either the mission control group or the Aries 1 spacecraft group.  Each team had specific jobs that lead to the success of the mission.

The Navigation Team was responsible for finding the comet and its coordinates.  Team members included Lauren Young, Gabriella Finn, Owen Shedlock and Lauren Heisler.

The Probe Team was responsible for assembling and launching the probe into space.  Team members were Zach Mallon, Emily Martin and Kali Lonsinger.

The Remote Team was responsible for analyzing the health of the plants in the spacecraft greenhouse.  Andrew Tornatore, Brendan Andrews and Aiden Taylor were the members.

The Isolation Team was responsible for monitoring hazardous chemicals and radiation levels onboard the spacecraft.  Team members were Kenneth Robison and Dylan Spiker.

The final team was the Life Support Team, which was responsible for maintaining a safe environment onboard the spacecraft.  Alex Taylor was this team’s member.

The afternoon challenge involved students being required to create a space probe.  It was a great experience for all who were involved.  Special thanks go out to the Bellwood-Antis School District and the Beating the Odds Foundation.