In Hammond, Indiana, the Challenger Learning Center serves as a nexus for the convergence of science and education, paying tribute to the “Challenger seven” while igniting a passion for discovery among young minds.

On a recent Wednesday, fifth-grade students from Central School in Lemont embarked on an exciting quest for water on Mars. They had the unique opportunity to engage in hands-on activities using NASA-simulated technology, experiencing the thrill of being astronauts.

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Among the enthusiastic participants was 11-year-old Frank Risatti, who expressed a newfound fascination with space.

“We were able to identify asteroids and monitor weather patterns,” shared Risatti, reflecting on his day as an aspiring scientist.

The session was expertly guided by educator Greg Karas, who led the students through their interplanetary adventure.

He’s a retired school teacher who’s always had a passion for space travel.

In 1985, the Indiana native jumped at the chance to apply for the brand new Teacher in Space program announced by President Ronald Reagan.

“I was teaching fourth grade at Morgan Township School over in Porter County at the time. And they sent me a message, ‘hey, you made it as an Indiana semi-finalist,’” Karas said.

Ultimately, high school teacher Christa McAuliffe of New Hampshire was selected out of more than 11,000 applicants.

She joined the six crew members of the space shuttle Challenger, which launched Jan. 28, 1986.

“I’m just giving a spelling test, and the kindergarten teacher comes in and says, ‘did you see?’ I said, ‘oh! Did they launch it?’ And she goes, ‘they died.’ I go, ‘what?’ She said, ‘the space shuttle blew up when it took off, and I couldn’t believe it,’” Karas said.

Karas says he turned on the TV, and watched the replay of Challenger breaking up more than 70 seconds into liftoff.

That deadly explosion was a devastating sight witnessed in classrooms across the country.

The families of the crew members created Challenger Learning Centers to keep their legacies alive.

“This is an everyday living memorial that everyday students come in through this building. We talk about those seven astronauts,” said Lara Bates, executive director for Challenger Learning Center of Northwestern Indiana.

Karina Rychtarczyk, 11, admitted she did not know about the Challenger disaster before coming to the center, but was inspired to explore her interest in math.

“It really motivated me to do this well, and obviously it’s really tragic. And I’m sure that the seven crewmates that went on the shuttle would be so proud to see where Challenger has come from,” Rychtarczyk said.