Challenger Center will aim to increase scientific awareness

St. Bonaventure University and NASA plan to begin construction of the Challenger Learning Center of the Twin Tiers Region on the southwest side of campus in January 2009. The Challenger Learning Center, named in honor of the 1986 Challenger space shuttle disaster, is a national organization sponsored by NASA, David DiMattio, dean of Clare College and CLC board member, said. The organization aims to encourage students to pursue careers in science.

The university's administration and the local CLC board members signed an agreement in 2006 specifying that the university contribute the necessary space for the center. The exact location of the center is not yet public information. The center will be operated and owned by the NASA-sponsored organization, DiMattio said.

The center will house a space simulation to teach participants team skills and educate them in the science and math fields. DiMattio said he hopes the center will attract groups from nearby grade schools and high schools.

One half of the participants will perform mission control on Earth and the other half will run a mock shuttle. Students can experience several simulations, including trips to the moon and Mars.

"There are many facets of education that are covered in this type of simulation," DiMattio said. He pointed specifically to math, physical science and computer science fields.

DiMattio said the "Twin Tiers" designation means the center will focus on serving counties within the southern tier of New York (Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua and as far north as Erie counties) and counties in the northern tier of Pennsylvania (McKean, Potter and as far south as Elk).

The university stands to benefit from the center, DiMattio said, as it will bring prospective students to the campus.

"Students will be exposed to St. Bonaventure . (they will see) our library, our Quick Arts Center . we want (visitors) to the center to see our campus," he said.

DiMattio said in the long-term, current St. Bonaventure students in the science or science education fields could have the opportunity to participate in the operation of the facility as well.

The CLC is currently in the process of gathering estimates for the cost of the center. Local corporations and individuals and NASA will provide funding, he said.