Communicating the dynamic nature of scientific knowledge, multimedia technology enhancement and rotational exhibits at the columbia memorial space science learning center at the site where the…

Communicating the dynamic nature of scientific knowledge, multimedia technology enhancement and rotational exhibits at the columbia memorial space science learning center at the site where the apollo space capsules and the space shuttle orbiters were designed and fabricated, a new hands-on center for learning and career development has been built by the city of downey with the support of NASA and will open this fall. Named an official national memorial to the space shuttle columbia by a joint resolution of the U.S. Senate and house of representatives, the columbia memorial space science learning center will honor the crew of STS-107 lost on february 1, 2003 - rick husband, willie mccool, michael anderson, kalpana chawla, david brown, laurel clark and llan ramon. The new center features an advanced digital challenger learning center for simulated journeys to the moon, mars, comets, and even the earth. A robotics lab, a high definition computer lab, and a wide range of interactive exhibits will provide engaging insights into space shuttle operations, living and working on the international space station, exploration of our solar system, aerospace engineering, and the range of fields of study and jobs related to human and robotic space exploration. The columbia memorial space science learning center will also provide engaging programs and introductory instruction in engineering, science and technology while acknowledging some of the most important aerospace achievements in the 20TH century. And IT will stand as a monument to the crew of the space shuttle columbia, honoring their courage, dedication, and commitment to knowledge and exploration. In 1999, the closing of the downey NASA plant brought to a close a 70-year history of aeronautics ingenuity and achievement, featuring large scale aircraft manufacturing, missile design and development, and ultimately, the design and production of the apollo command and service module and the development and production of the space shuttle orbiters. The site that was a critical hub of aeronautic and aerospace discovery during the 2OTH century is now the home to the columbia memorial space science learning center. Opening in october, 2009, the center is the tangible link between historic american aerospace achievements and the future of the domestic science, technology, engineering and mathematics (stem) workforce. The columbia memorial space science learning center, so named by a joint resolution of both the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of representatives, honors the memory of the lost columbia crew and the history of aerospace innovation in southern california and provides a regional educational opportunity for all of the southwestern united states. Through interactive exhibits, innovative activities, school outreach programs, and teacher professional development, the center's goal is improvement in student performance and retention in the math and sciences. The center serves students in the surrounding community by providing them with opportunities to learn about and interact with the latest discoveries in space science with a focus on NASA programs and educational themes which reinforces the concept that science is not a route study of ideas from the past, but is an exciting, ever-changing field of discoveries. Inspiring students in stem also motivates them to continue with their studies, and encourage them to explore higher education and careers in science and technology. Strategically positioned to target minority and historically underrepresented students in the math and sciences, the columbia memorial space science learning center is the link between america's past scientific achievements and its future innovators.