With much excitement, the middle school students of Academies at GBDS participated in a field trip to Challenger Learning Center in Ramapo, New York on April 7. Fifth to eighth graders participated in “Return to the Moon” mission in a spacecraft NASA-designed simulator. Students transformed themselves into scientists, engineers, researchers and astronauts through their participation in the center’s simulated space adventures. This was a great opportunity to improve critical thinking, decision making and communication skills by performing activities using scientific instruments including robotic arms, glove boxes and computers. Science teacher Mrs. Kelly said, “The program was excellent and our students loved the experience at the center and they really advanced far into the mission!”