The Global Game Jam Event at the Space Center. KPop Laser Show Premiers at the Space Center's Planetarium. News from Mission.io. The Competitions Begins and Winning Schools Nationwide. Imaginarium Theater

The Global Game Jam at the Christa McAuliffe Space Center  

by Dave Stevens

     For the 3^rd year in a row, the Space Center hosted a site for the annual Global Game Jam. We started with a kickoff on Friday, Jan 30th.  Ten teams had 48 hours to create games around the year's theme.  The Space Center was represented by me and Orion B. on one team, and Kyle S, with support from Victoria, on another.   

     The Central Elementary faculty room was used for most of the day on Saturday to work on the games.  Thank you to the Space Center and Central Elementary School for supporting the Game Jam! 

     The event concluded on Sunday evening at the Space Center's planetarium with a final presentation where all teams showed their work, including a game that incorporated a device that could produce fragrances to add scent to match video game content!  

     To see the games created, visit https://globalgamejam.org/group/31112/games.  Many of them are playable from a browser. 

Here are the games that were created

https://globalgamejam.org/group/31112/games 

Two specifically were done by CMSC staff/volunteers:

https://globalgamejam.org/games/2026/lumens-lab-break-6

[ Orion and I] 

https://globalgamejam.org/games/2026/machine-masquerade-4

[Kyle S, Victoria provided support] 

KPop Laser Hunters Premieres at the Christa McAuliffe Space Center in Pleasant Grove!

The opening weekend was nearly sold out, with over 400 Huntrix fans having reserved their tickets.

Come see a show that is only available here in Pleasant Grove, Utah. Our amazing laser light show is the family-friendly and affordable activity you don't want to miss.

Tickets are $7 and can be reserved at spacecenterutah.org/laser

Mission.io News. Teachers, Mission.io is launching this Year's League Competition. Get Your Class Involved!

Last Year's Winning Schools

Our friends at Mission.io are excited to announce the return of the annual League Competition, launching THIS MARCH! Last year's reigning champions at Silver Summit, Canyon Crest, and Manilla set the bar high in 2025.

. Will your class claim the #1 spot this year?

Mission.io News. Tampa Day School in Florida Takes Top Score in Nationwide Teamwork and Problems Solving

Big congratulations to these Tampa Day School enrichment students for taking 1st place in the nation on the Mission.io leaderboard! UHA! Way to go, Hawks!

This Class is the #1 Highest Scoring Class in the Nation

They earned the top score in a nationwide teamwork and problem-solving challenge against hundreds of other classrooms. Students launched together on a Mission tied to what they’ve been learning and worked as a class to solve a real problem, and the way they handled the challenge placed them at the very top.

Mission.io is incredibly proud of how these students worked together and represented TampaDaySchool so well. Congratulations!

Imaginairum Theater

The Week's Best Videos From Around the World, Edited for a Gentler Audience

Today, a Few Stories on How the Space Center has Affected Lives. Letters from Teachers on their Field Trip Experiences to the Space Center. Imaginarium Theater

The Bridge of the Starship Voyager, 2001

"The Space Center Made a Huge Difference in My Life." My Saturday Conversation with a Local Banker

     Yesterday, I stopped at my bank's local branch to have a document notarized. I wore my Space Center jacket. The banker walked up to me, told me he was ready to help, and noticed my jacket. "I want you to know that the Space Center was one of my best memories growing up. It made a difference in my life," he said. That began a short conversation about the many reasons, but in the end, it was how it sparked his imagination and made him feel he could do difficult things and succeed. The seriousness in his face as he spoke struck me. He really wanted me to understand what he was saying.
     After the document was notarized, the conversation ended with a strong handshake and a heartfelt "thank you". I left the bank and drove to the Space Center to put in a few hours on the Center's volunteering program. I sat down in the staff room, turned on my computer, and felt a renewed desire to make the Space Center the best it can be for this generation of young people and the many who will follow.


Mr. Williamson

My Memories of my First Mission at the Space Center Way Back When, and What it Means to Me Today

Bracken Funk
Director, The Space Place at Renaissance Academy

Teacher, Renaissance Academy

Bracken with an Odyssey Crew in the first Odyssey Simulator back in the Day

I remember the first time I walked through the doors of the Space Center as a kid. It was for an overnight camp. I wasn't entirely sure what I was getting into, but I knew what it was supposed to be. It was an experience unlike any other, I knew that. All of the 6th graders had been talking about it for quite some time. I waited in anticipation outside the front doors. It was early October, not too bad as far as weather goes; a soft breeze grazed our already excitement-induced neck hairs as we waited, something similar to how Charlie felt outside of the chocolate factory, I'm sure, for the front doors to be opened, and for us to be allowed in.

I stepped through the front doors, and though I knew, consciously, that those were the doors to a school, my imagination took over once inside. I'd always been a Star Trek fan, and because of that, this experience to me was even more exciting than I thought it would be- the hallways of the school became a Federation Starbase. To me, it was real. I suppose I've always been that way, though. Even through the 8th grade, I would play on my trampoline with my lightsaber, yelling at the invisible foe, most of the time playing all of the lead roles in my imaginary play, including the foe. I think I can just create my surroundings the way I want them to be and block out what I don't want to see or hear very well. But that school, the minute I walked through the front doors, really did transform me, and that was just my first visit.

For my first mission, I was put in charge of the Magellan and served as the Chief of Security. I remember well imagining where my security officers were going, and I remember imagining Monty, our chief engineer, as this jovial, fat Aussie, who was a brilliant mind, but not so coordinated. He seemed willing to help, but too busy with engineering problems to get into our business. I felt like I knew him before I left.

I came back many times as a young lad. I came because I loved the idea of being a Federation officer. I came because I loved knowing that I was something bigger than myself while I was there. I came because the staff were fun to be around. In my overzealosity (yes, a newly invented Bracken word- it actually came about while I was flying Greenpeace speaking as the John Talbot impersonator), I was quite annoying, but I had good intentions.

But still, to this day, as a teacher at Renaissance and the director of The Space Place, I can still, in my imagination, walk through those front doors at that old Central Elementary School and still see that Federation Starbase. Those first starships (1990 to 2020) are still real in my memory. I experience that same magic when I walk onto the new Voyager bridge here at Renaissance. I don't know why, but the wonder the Space Center put in a child's mind way back then has grown up with him.

For those of us who work or volunteer at one of the local space centers, remember the magic you felt on your first mission.  Remember those feelings and do your best to pass that magic and wonder on to those who visit today because it is YOU who creates it.  

Bracken Funk

Emails from Two Teachers on Their Visits to the Space Center

A Phoenix Crew, 2007

Mr. Williamson,

Thank you very much for the great experience my students from Emerson had last night. Everything about it was perfect for them and they couldn't stop talking about it. I'm sure you find that a lot, but I was just hoping that all of the students would get into it. It was so fun to look around and see all of them very busy and engaged and having a great time. The last time I came to your space center was about 15 years ago, and even though it was about the same idea, this was much better. All of your employees were also very good and helpful.

A great learning experience!

Thanks again,

Margaret A.

Imaginarium Theater

The Week's Best Videos From Around the World Edited for a Gentler Audience

The January Voyager Club Meeting Learns About the Dangers of Space Travel. The Space Center Honor's Christa McAuliffe. Landon Visits the Space Center. Imaginarium Theater

Jason Trump is talking about the Artemis rocket and the SLS.

The Space Center's Voyager Club met on Saturday for its monthly meeting. The Voyager Club is open to people of almost all ages (from grade 7 to adults). It has a few different membership levels.  

Explorers: Club members who attend meetings, have an interest in space and astronomy, but find themselves too busy to volunteer.

On-Site Volunteers:  Club members who attend meetings, take classes, participate in workshops, and volunteer at the Space Center for a minimum of 4.5 hours a month.

Off-Site Volunteers: Club members who work from home on Space Center projects: electrical, prop building, graphic illustrations, etc.  

Jason is using a Geiger counter to measure the radioactivity of several items.

The Club meets formally on the last Saturday of every month at Space Center. Members receive training and learn more about space and astronomy at the meeting. Yesterday's meeting featured Jason Trump, the Club's astronomy/space studies teacher and Director of Education at Clark Planetarium. Jason gave a presentation on the Artemis II mission, set to launch this month. They also spoke about the dangers astronauts face in space, especially exposure to space radiation, both from our sun and from beyond our solar system in the form of gamma rays. 

Club members were asked to predict which element would show the highest level of radioactivity. 

Uranium dust from a Utah mine took the prize.

Introducing new members is another agenda item for the club meeting. Yesterday, four new members joined the Club and will be seen in the simulators soon.  

New member introductions

Calvin with his latest 3D printed creations

Calvin is one of the Club's new members. He is a high school 3D prop maker with a couple of high-quality 3D printers at home. He creates his own models or purchases them online. He handles the printing and painting. I asked him to bring a collection of his latest creations to show me what he can do from home. The helmets have movable face shields. 

James Porter Speaks About Christa McAuliffe

A Tribute to the Challenger Astronauts and Christa McAuliffe. January 28, 1986

Hello Troops,

January 28 marked the 40th anniversary of the Challenger mission. In each of my math classes, we took a moment to honor the seven heroes who lost their lives that day. I wanted my students to look beyond the tragedy and understand the why—to remember that these men and women were pioneers, blazing a trail into the unknown because they believed in the future.

Among those seven was Christa McAuliffe. As a teacher, she represented all of us who believe that the classroom has no limits.
From Tragedy to Inspiration

I named the Space Center in Christa’s honor. It stands as a living tribute to her love of learning and her mission to inspire America’s children to dream big, work hard, and push past any obstacle.

The Center is proof that great things can rise from the ashes of tragedy. We don't just teach science and math; we carry forward the torch of discovery that Christa held so high. We work to create that space-faring civilization she dreamed of.
A Heartfelt Thank You

To everyone who has worked and volunteered over the last 35 years and to those who currently work and volunteer at the Space Center: thank you. Together, we have kept Christa’s mission alive. I genuinely believe she would be proud of the "future pioneers" we are cultivating here.

Keep reaching for the stars,

Mr. Williamson

(For You Old Timers) Landon Hemlsey was at the Space Center on Saturday 

Landon (in blue)

James Porter and I got to see Landon at the Space Center on Saturday afternoon. Landon was a member of the Space Center's staff for about 5 years around the year 2004. He was an Odyssey flight director back in the day. Landon was there with his son, his son's friends, and his brothers. I spoke to him for a few minutes before Lindsey arrived to escort them to the Odyssey.  

Seeing old staff and volunteers is always the highlight of my Saturdays at the Center when I'm there helping with the volunteer program.   

Imaginarium Theater

The Week's Best Videos From Around the World, Edited for a Gentler Audience

Seventeen Years Ago Today, Emily Perry (Emily Paxman today) Shattered One of the Space Center's Last Glass Ceilings! From the Historical Archive. Quantum Physics, Do Choices Made in the Present, Alter the Past?? The Space Center New KPOP Laser Show. The Imaginairum Theater

Emily on the Voyager's Bridge

From the Space Center's Historical Archives

Emily Perry (Paxman today) Shatters the Glass Ceiling!

From "The Troubadour Blog"

January 25, 2009

Hello Troops,
     The Glass Ceiling (a term commonly used to describe a situation where a woman can see the top of an organization but can't reach it because of a male-dominated workforce) shattered this weekend. All males at the Space Center dove for cover from the flying shards.
     “It was ghastly,” reported Bradyn Lystrup, still shaking after the explosion. Paths of dried blood etched down his cheeks. The number of injuries overwhelmed the Space Center’s two first aid kits. Todd was dispatched to our local Walmart to pick up new bandage supplies.
     Many who escaped physical injury were affected emotionally. The Odyssey’s beds were full of volunteers and staff suffering from shock. I nearly called for an ambulance, but I wanted to keep this from hitting the local news. I moved from bed to bed, assuring the casualties that all was being done to stabilize the situation. 

     I found Kyle Herring on the bottom bed. I knelt down. He grabbed my hand and asked me if all was lost. “Can we make this right again?” he whispered through his cracked lips. His skin was cold and clammy - a sure sign of extreme shock. I lied and told him everything would be just like it was. It seemed to calm him. I took out my Star Trek Commemorative Coin to give him something to hold onto. I motioned for Emily Perry, our EMT, to come take his blood pressure. He pulled back into a fetal position upon sight of her. She backed away, realizing from her training that he might be beyond saving. She needed to treat those who still had a chance.
     I walked to my desk, wondering if I had done the right thing. Look at what my decision had wrought? So many affected. So much blood. Such sadness. I sat down and put my head in my hands.
     “It will be OK,” a weak voice said in front of me. I looked up. It was Carson. He seemed unscathed by the event. He was helping Spenser D to one of the chairs that ran the length of my long wooden desk. Spenser’s arm was in a sling. I later learned it was a dislocated shoulder.
     “Will you be OK?” I asked them both. They nodded. “I’m sorry this happened without warning. I take full responsibility.” I sat back and watched as broken glass was picked up by the few remaining males who could still stand.
     “You did the right thing,” Stacy Carroll said as she carried in a just emptied trash can.  “It had to happen. That glass ceiling was growing weaker and weaker.”
I agreed. It was the right thing.
     The explosion of the glass ceiling was the direct result of one thing. Emily Perry, a female Odyssey flight director, flight-directed a Voyager paid private mission by herself without a coach on Saturday. This day will go down in infamy - January 24, 2009. After 18 years, the last remaining male stronghold of the Space Center fell to the advancing female column. The white flag was raised over the Fortress at 11:30 A.M. The glass ceiling exploded at 2:00 P.M. just as Emily finished the mission and placed the microphone in the stand.
     My Friends, according to many male survivors of the event, the Fat Lady Sang and Hell Froze Over.  It is done. The Voyager flight staff is integrated. We have many fine female flight directors. They can hold their own in a mission-to-mission face-off with any male. Trust me on this.
     Some of you may feel I’ve lost my bearings and turned my back on my gender, but once again I say - GOOD JOB EMILY! YOU DID IT! YOU RAN THE VOYAGER’S FIRST MISSION DIRECTED ENTIRELY BY A FEMALE. The glass ceiling is shattered. We live in a time of change, and change can be good.

     I want to thank Emily’s supervisors, Spencer D and Carson M, for helping with this special event. They did their jobs well, giving Emily the support needed to pull it off.  Now, I’m sure emails and congratulations will pour in from all. I’m also ready for the backlash from our unhappy males. I can live with that, but I warn you against toilet papering. Oh yes...... You don’t want to go down that road.

Your Progressive Sleepless Leader,

Mr. Williamson

P.S. Emily did a great job and was supported by everyone. I do like to exaggerate, but it makes for interesting reading and writing. Good Job Emily!

Quantum physics is rewriting the rules of time…Remember, "Somewhere, Something Incredible is Waiting to be Known." Carl Sagan

It suggests that decisions made today can actually influence the behavior of particles in the past.

At the subatomic level, the universe operates under rules that defy common sense. Known as retrocausality, breakthroughs in quantum physics suggest that measurements performed in the present can influence a particle’s past state. In famous delayed-choice experiments, researchers have observed particles behaving as either waves or particles based on decisions made after their journey has already begun. This quantum eraser effect implies that the history of a quantum system remains fluid until the moment of observation, effectively blurring the lines of chronological progression.

While this discovery sounds like science fiction, experts clarify that it does not allow for traditional time travel or the ability to send messages into the past. Instead, it reveals a fundamental interconnectedness within the fabric of reality where cause-and-effect is not a simple one-way street. These findings challenge our classical understanding of a fixed universe, suggesting that reality is a deeply entangled system where the observer plays a critical role in shaping the physical properties of the world around us.

source: Wheeler, J. A. (1978). The past and the delayed-choice double-slit experiment. Mathematical Foundations of Quantum Theory.

The Space Center Planetarium's New Laser Show!  KPOP

They tell me people really like it........

I'll stick with the John Williams show.  Always best to stay with what you understand.

Imaginairum Theater

The Week's Best Videos From Around the World, Edited for a Gentler Audience

Launching Our Future: The Space Center's Role in Creating a Space-Faring Civilization. The Imaginairum Theater

Building the Future Since 1990:  The Original Magellan Simulator (2004)

I believe the Space Center’s primary mission is to help us become a space-faring civilization. When you think about that goal, it can feel as vast as the universe itself. It’s going to take immense work and dedication to reach the stars, but every great journey begins with a single step. At the Space Center, we are here to help students take those first steps using a simple roadmap: Imagine, Believe, Learn, and Do.

The Voyager Simulator (2004)

The Four Steps to a New Frontier

1. IMAGINE the Possibilities. Every great achievement started as a "what if." At the Space Center, we don’t just talk about the future; we let you live it. Our high-tech simulators are where science and science fiction work hand in hand. When students step onto a simulated bridge, they are embarking on a futuristic mission that blends the wonder of a story with science. We use these adventures to show that the "impossible" is actually just a challenge waiting to be solved.

2. BELIEVE it can be Done. Imagination needs fuel. The power of belief gives us the energy to take action. It’s the spark that turns a "dream" into a "plan." When a student sees themselves successfully navigating a starship in our simulators, they start to believe it can be done in real life.

3. LEARN the Way. This is where the hard work begins. Once we imagine a goal and believe we can reach it, we must study the science, math, and technology to make it real. Education is the bridge between a dream and a reality.  

4. DO the Work. This is where the magic happens. This is where learning leads to action: building, testing, and launching. We make it so!

Volunteers and Staff Create the Magic (2004)

Why the Space Center Matters

The Space Center is uniquely positioned to spark Step One for thousands of people every year.

A young student on a field trip might walk away dreaming of navigating the cosmos or building a computer as powerful as our simulators. That spark of desire follows them home, turning into a lifelong passion for discovery.

Through the Space Center's camps and volunteer program, students can experience all four steps in the process to create the future we envision.  

Today's Space Center, Built on a Strong Foundation of Its Past,

Leading Today's Generations Into the Future

 

The "Fuel" for Our Mission

There is an old saying at NASA: "No Bucks, No Buck Rogers." It’s a simple way of saying that without funding and public support, there are no space programs and no astronaut heroes. We want our students to carry their enthusiasm into adulthood. We want them to become "space-enthusiast voters" who understand that exploring the stars is a vital part of our future.

Today, the mission to explore space requires more than just scientists; it requires a public that believes in the journey. By inspiring the next generation today, we are ensuring that the future of space exploration is protected and celebrated tomorrow.

Let’s reach for the stars—together.

Mr. Williamson

Imaginairum Theater

The Week's Best Vides From Around the World, Edited for a Gentler Audience

The Voyager Club Volunteers Meet at the Space Center to Earn Service Pins, Learn about New Simulators Under Construction, and Space Center History. James Porter Takes you on a Tour of the Ships. A New Class of Young Computer Animators Begins their Training. The Space Place is Fantastic! The Imaginarium Theater

They look surprisingly awake for 8:30 A.M. on a Saturday Morning!
     

The Space Center's Voyager Club met early Saturday morning, January 3rd, for its monthly meeting. The Voyager Club is the home to the Space Center's 70 volunteers. Our volunteers range in age from 12 to The Sky is the Limit!  The club's monthly meeting introduces new members, trains volunteers in their duties as volunteers, teaches them about current space news and astronomy, has team-building activities, and adds a healthy dose of science fiction to the instructional mix because that is what the Space Center is, that happy combination of science and science fiction. After all, we all know the two are flip sides of the same coin. A love of science fiction, for many, opens the door to a curiosity about the real universe and its workings. 

The new member introductions were followed by the Years of Service Awards.  Club President Eavie did the presentations.   

BreeElla and Max Received their 1 Year Pin

Jacob, Eric, and Max Received their Two-Year Pins

Max Received a Three Year Pin

Jonathan Eden was one of the month's guest presenters.  Jonathan gave us an update on the construction of the Lions Gate Space Center.  Lions Gate Space Center is part of Lakeview Academy Charter School in Saratoga Springs.  The Center has two starships, the Apollo and the Artemis.  Two new starship simulators and a space station simulator are under construction and will open in the Fall.  It is exciting to see how their program is evolving to meet the needs of their students and community.  

Jonathan Eden from the Lions Gate Space Center

Matt Ricks was the month's featured presenter.  Matt is a long-time volunteer and staff member at the Space Center. Today, his Space Center duties include the design and construction of the electrical activity panels used in the Center's simulators, along with online "stuff".  Matt has another important role at the Center: he is our historian.  His driving goal is to preserve the history of this unique educational organization for the present and future generations.  Why?  Because the Space Center is a community organization.  Its foundation rests on community support through the school district and our strong volunteer force. 

Matt Ricks is showing the classic equipment that once drove the simulations.
 

 Matt does all of this wearing his volunteering hat.  That shows dedication to the Center's mission.  Matt's presentation focused on the importance of preserving the Center's history and also served as a call to action for volunteers to help keep that history documented and preserved.   

Matt started a podcast called "Drydock Talk" where he interviews past and present volunteers and staff about their time at the Space Center. He is seeking retired volunteers and staff who are willing to be interviewed.  Here are some of the questions he asked in the interview.  

* Tell me about yourself; what do you want the Space Center community to know about you?
* Why did you decide to go into your current career? (This question can very commonly be related back to the Space Center in some way)
* What brought you to the Space Center? Can you tell me about your time at the Space Center? (What year did you start? What year did you leave?)
* What was it like working with Mr. Williamson?
* What do you remember about the first time you went to the Space Center?
* What were your favorite parts about the Voyager / Space Center when you were there?
* Where has your career gone since working at Central Elementary?
* Where do you hope to see the Voyager Concept (or Space Simulators) go in the future?
* Do you have any other memories that stand out to you that you would like to add?

Generally, asking questions like "What was the first/last..." or "What was the best/worst..." tends to get some good stories. That's generally the goal: to get stories, not just facts. So asking open-ended questions, and giving time and space for the interviewee to respond, is the best way to get stories, which are the most fascinating part!

Please contact me if you would be willing to help with this project.  VictorWilliamson@AlpineDistrict.org

Our last guest presenter for the meeting was Alex Debirk, director of the Discovery Space Center at the American Heritage School in American Fork. The DSC has two starship simulators, the Discovery and the Galileo (Remember the metal Galileo from the old Space Center?). Alex updated us on his program and the school's plans for expansion as it designs and constructs a new high school.  

 The Activity. The Laser Light Holiday Show

Amberlynn is covering planetarium basics before the show

Amberlynn was kind to come in so early on Saturday to run the Space Center Planetarium's holiday laser light show for the volunteers, some of their parents, and our guests. Then it was Bang! and the music and light show erupted across the dome.  It was a fantastic show. The after-show applause underscored that point. 

Are You Interested in Volunteering at the Space Center?

The Space Center is always in need of good volunteers.  To learn more about volunteering, please visit the club's website VoyagerClub.org.    

James Porter Shares Behind-the-Scenes Tours of the Space Center's Simulators

James Porter is the Director of the Space Center. He has started a series of Reels taking viewers into the simulators to learn more about what they are and what happens during a mission.  The Reels are on the Space Center's Facebook page and embedded here in the blog. Take a look. It is time to spread the word about the Space Center, its programs, and its contributions to the school district and community.  

The Voyager Club's New Group of Future Computer Animators:  Meet the Beta Imagineers.  

Meet Kade, Sam, Calvin, August, and Omar.  That's Jack sitting behind them.  They are the Space Center's next class of apprentice computer animators.    Jack H., is the instructor.  Jack is a master animator for the Center, a supervisor, and a trainee flight director.  Saturday was their first class.

Jack's first class of animators, the Alpha Imagineers, graduated last year and are working toward their Journeyman level, so they can begin creating the tactical screens for upcoming simulator missions.   

Having Saturday Fun at The Space Place at Renaissance Academy

Three Voyager Club Volunteers Ready to Storm the Voyager's Bridge. 

On Saturday, I dropped in to see Megan Warner and Bracken Funk at The Space Place.  It was a busy day for The Space Place team, with three private mission bookings filling up the morning and afternoon aboard the Starship Voyager, the largest simulator in the fleet.  

I am amazed by the talent, professionalism, and skill of The Space Place's staff and volunteers in operating the simulators and executing the flawless missions presented in the Voyager. I encourage all flight directors at any of the 14 simulators around Utah Lake to visit the Voyager and see this team in action from a seat in the Control Room.  

Perfection in simulation operations would be expected when you look at the decades of experience the two of them have doing simulations on multiple ships.  

Bracken Funk and his Saturday Team of Voyager Club Staff and Volunteers (Megan was in the Voyager, prepping the ship for the next group to fly)
 

You and your group of friends, family, or employees are welcome to come to the Voyager to experience the magic yourself.  Go to TheSpacePlace.org to book a private mission.  

Imaginairum Theater

The Week's Best Videos from Around the World, Edited for a Gentler Audience