Challenger Learning Center, Wheeling, WV

09/02/2026

We kicked off the new year with a little team time, good food, and A LOT of chocolate!

Our team started the day with a delicious brunch before heading to Sarris Candies in Canonsburg, PA, for a fascinating behind-the-scenes tour of the Sarris Chocolate Factory. We learned so much about how their delicious chocolates are made, and of course, we were more than happy to sample some of the treats along the way!

From the chocolate-making process to all the sweet treats, the tour was a perfect mix of fun, learning, and team time.

And because apparently we hadn’t had enough sweets yet, we finished the day with ice cream from the Sarris Ice Cream Parlor!

A delicious way to kick off a new year with an amazing team. Here’s to a sweet year ahead, we appreciate you all!

09/02/2026

Calling all aviation lovers, future pilots, and anyone who simply loves to look up and dream BIG!

One of the best aviation events of the fall is coming to Almost Heaven West Virginia!

The 6th Annual 2026 Carl Hopkins WV Youth Aviation Expo is taking off on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 10:00 AM–4:00 PM at The Bridge Sports Complex in Bridgeport, WV.

This is a one-day-only public event packed with aviation fun for kiddos young and young at heart! Whether you're already fascinated by flight or just curious about what it takes to get off the ground, there's something for everyone.

Come explore, learn, get inspired, and celebrate the world of aviation right here in West Virginia! ✈️

Saturday, September 26, 2026
10:00 AM–4:00 PM
The Bridge Sports Complex, Bridgeport, WV

08/31/2026

🧬The DNA e-Lab is BACK and ready for your classroom!🧬

A crime has been committed. The evidence is ready. And your students have been called in to solve the case.

We’re excited to announce that our DNA e-Lab is once again available at the Challenger Learning Center at Wheeling University.

During this 45–60 minute live video conference, your classroom becomes a crime investigation lab. Students work directly with our Lab Director as they examine blood typing and electrophoresis results, analyze evidence, eliminate suspects, and use deductive reasoning to determine what really happened.

They aren’t just learning about DNA and forensic science. They’re using science to solve a crime.

It’s an interactive experience that puts students in the role of investigators and challenges them to think critically, work together, and draw their own conclusions from the evidence.

The evidence is waiting. The suspects are waiting.

Can your students crack the case?

The DNA e-Lab is now available, scheduling here to bring the investigation to your classroom.
https://www.clcwheeling.org/distance-learning/book-an-e-lab/41Contact

08/26/2026

An Incredible Evening at the Challenger Learning Center!

We were thrilled to host a special watch party and Zoom conversation featuring four astronauts who are also educators! The conversation gave us a fascinating look at their experiences in space, their journeys as teachers, and the powerful connection between space exploration and STEM education.

We were especially excited to welcome faculty and students from Wheeling University’s Education Department. It was a wonderful opportunity for future educators to hear directly from astronauts who understand both the classroom and the world of space exploration.

We also took this special opportunity to honor one of our own, Flight Director John Welty, who has reached an incredible milestone of 1,000 missions flown! 🚀

John’s dedication, passion, and commitment to inspiring students through our missions have made a lasting impact on countless young explorers. We are so proud to celebrate this extraordinary achievement with him!

What a night of astronauts, educators, students, and inspiration!

08/25/2026

Tonight's the night, please join us if you can!

Challenger Center Teacher Watch Party Invitation

Join us here at The Challenger Learning Center for a rare, behind-the-scenes conversation with 3 astronauts who have also served as classroom teachers.

Our panelists will share personal stories from their missions with NASA and their time in the classroom, reflecting on what it takes to turn curiosity into discovery. Together, they’ll connect the wonder of spaceflight to a deep passion for teaching the next generation of explorers.
Attendees will have the opportunity to submit questions directly to the astronauts during the event. 🚀

August 25th
6:00- 7:00 PM Eastern
Hosted at The Challenger Learning Center, Wheeling
Tickets are FREE and available through Eventbrite

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/challenger-center-teacher-watch-party-invitation-tickets-1998420490483

08/24/2026

Today, on his birthday, we remember Challenger Payload Specialist Gregory Jarvis 💫

08/19/2026

Challenger Center Teacher Watch Party Invitation

Join us here at The Challenger Learning Center for a rare, behind-the-scenes conversation with 3 astronauts who have also served as classroom teachers.

Our panelists will share personal stories from their missions with NASA and their time in the classroom, reflecting on what it takes to turn curiosity into discovery. Together, they’ll connect the wonder of spaceflight to a deep passion for teaching the next generation of explorers.
Attendees will have the opportunity to submit questions directly to the astronauts during the event. 🚀

August 25th
6:00- 7:00 PM Eastern
Hosted at The Challenger Learning Center, Wheeling
Tickets are FREE and available through Eventbrite

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/challenger-center-teacher-watch-party-invitation-tickets-1998420490483

08/18/2026

What an Incredible Challenger Learning Conference!

We’re back from a fantastic Challenger Learning Conference in Framingham, Massachusetts, and we’re bringing home new ideas, new connections, and plenty of inspiration!

There were so many highlights, we talked with an astronaut on board the ISS and had the opportunity to meet with June Scobee Rodgers, retired astronaut Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger, and Cheryl McNair. It was an honor to spend time with these incredible women once again, who continue to inspire students, educators, and Challenger Learning Centers around the world.

We also loved connecting with our fellow CLC colleagues, sharing ideas, learning from one another, and talking about the future of STEM education.

A HUGE thank you to our wonderful CLC hosts in Framingham for welcoming us and putting together such a great conference. Your hospitality and hard work made it a truly memorable experience!

We headed back to Wheeling energized and ready for another great year of inspiring the next generation of explorers, scientists, and innovators! 🚀

08/18/2026

🚢 Wheeling: A Port of Call for American Cruise Lines! 🚀

We were absolutely honored to be offered as an excursion for guests of American Cruise Lines as Wheeling welcomed their passengers as a port of call!

And what a FUN visit it was! Our guests stepped into the simulators, took on their missions, worked together, and experienced a little taste of what it’s like to be part of a space mission.

We loved sharing the Challenger Learning Center experience with visitors from across the country and showing them a little of what makes Wheeling such a special place to visit!

Thank you to American Cruise Lines for including us in the adventure. We can't wait to welcome more cruise guests to the CLC!

08/04/2026

As well as launching their mission, students explored science through a fun, hands-on classroom activity that got them thinking!