The Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee, the K-12 STEM outreach arm of the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, proudly hosted two highly successful events as part of the Florida State University Festival of the Creative Arts (FCA) this past weekend. This marked the first collaboration between the Challenger Learning Center and the festival, bringing together faculty, students and staff across disciplines to deliver interactive, art-infused experiences focused on space, creativity and discovery.
On Saturday, Feb. 8, the Challenger Learning Center presented “Shakespeare and the Stars” — a unique fusion of literature, space science and the arts. Participants explored the connections between Shakespeare’s works and the cosmos through interactive art projects, music sessions and hands-on activities and demonstrations led by faculty, staff and students from English, Art Education, Music Education, the Challenger Learning Center and even the Flying High Circus. The event captivated K-12 students and families with its creative hands-on approach.
The excitement continued Sunday, Feb. 9, with “Storytime Under the Stars,” an enchanting evening designed for young children and families. Guests gathered under the celestial canopy of the Fogg Planetarium to enjoy classic stories in a magical setting. The special guest FCA Storybook Reader for the evening was Christine Hansen, program manager for the Askew Student Life Center, whose engaging storytelling brought the experience to life.
“This collaboration showcased the magic that happens when science, art and imagination come together,” said Alan Hanstein, executive director of the Challenger Learning Center. “Seeing young minds light up as they connected literature and creativity with the wonders of space is exactly why we do what we do. We’re proud to be part of the Festival of the Creative Arts and can’t wait to build on this success in the years ahead.”
Festival director and FSU Research Fellow in the Arts and Humanities, Iain Quinn, echoed the sentiment: “This is the first FCA collaboration with the Challenger Learning Center, and I’m thrilled it has been such a success. To see faculty and students from multiple colleges working next to each other and engaging with the public was wonderful. We greatly look forward to next year.”
Both events demonstrated the Challenger Learning Center’s ongoing commitment to providing innovative, interdisciplinary STEM/STEAM learning experiences to the Tallahassee community and beyond.
For more information about upcoming events at the Challenger Learning Center, visit www.challengertlh.com.