As part of its ongoing community outreach programs, the UTC Challenger STEM Learning Center took its new Virtual Mission on the road to the Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy for a trial run.
Three CGLA seventh-grade classes experienced a simulation of the Virtual Mission: Tennessee River in Crisis where their classroom became an Emergency Response Center during a mock natural disaster.
Students formed specialized teams to deal with various crisis situations that occur during an event. Each team downloaded real-time data that had to be analyzed and actions taken to deal with landslides, flooding, evacuation and even an earthquake. A live, Mission Commander at the Challenger Center oversees the mission and directs engineering, hydrology, geological and emergency response teams that work in collaboration to put working action plans into place to respond to real-world situations.
CGLA Science Teacher Meghan Smith said the Virtual Mission allows her to bring a natural disaster to life in her classroom. “The mission tool brought home that earthquakes can occur in our area as well,” said Ms. Smith. “Simulating real-life situations is a fantastic way for the girls to explore their learning and keep them actively engaged.”
The mission was an eye-opener for seventh-grader Joana Gonzales. “It was helpful in learning how a real life natural disaster happens and how to fix it,” said Ms. Gonzales. “The simulation showed how natural disasters can affect people in our area.”
Student Unique Simmons added that the mission emphasized the importance of clear communications. “When we had to report back to the commander, we had to make sure to give him all the information not just bits and pieces. The more information you know, the more you can help,” Ms. Simmons explained.
Ms. Smith said her students developed public service announcements to demonstrate communicating to affected areas on how best to respond to the crisis event. Additional activities with the Virtual Mission will continue throughout the school year.