Two bright yellow school buses pull up to Central Elementary School in Pleasant Grove, Utah, between 9:30 and 10:00 A.M. The doors swing open, and a stream of eager students pours out, excited for the upcoming adventure. They aren't here for math class, though learning is definitely on the agenda. They're here for an experience unlike any other: a field trip to the Christa McAuliffe Space Center (CMSC).
Since its opening in November 1990, this Alpine School District facility, attached right to the Central Elementary School in Pleasant Grove, has been the destination for hundreds of thousands of students and teachers. It offers what is arguably one of the best, most unique field trips in Utah—and possibly the world!
Missions into the Cosmos: Group A Takes the Helm
The students are quickly divided into two large groups. Group A heads straight for the heart of the action: the six starship simulators. Stepping inside is like walking onto the set of a Star Trek movie—and you are the main character.
These aren't passive simulations; they are fully immersive, theatrical productions complete with dramatic lighting effects, sound effects, and visual displays. The students become the crew, working together to accomplish mission objectives that are carefully tied to their grade-level curriculum.
Team Building: Every mission hinges on cooperation.
Leadership Training: Students take command roles, making "life and death" decisions.
Essential Skills: The entire experience is a dynamic lesson in listening, critical thinking, reasoning, and character education.
These young crews learn to navigate the cosmos, manage their ship's systems, and choose their destiny, all before the lunch!
Stargazing and Science: Group B in the Planetarium
While Group A is saving the universe, Group B begins their morning in the CMSC's state-of-the-art planetarium. This is where the magic of the universe is unveiled. Their morning lesson covers essential astronomical concepts, provides a guided tour of the night sky, and touches on basic physics.
The staff at the Space Center—a collection of enthusiastic people with a deep and infectious love for science fiction and space exploration—guide both groups. Their mission is simple yet profound: to create a space-faring civilization. They are the mentors who make the complex accessible and the impossible feel within reach.
At 11:00 A.M., Group B’s cosmic lesson concludes, and they head into Central Elementary’s cafeteria for lunch, joining the regular elementary students.
The Great Exchange
After lunch, the groups switch!
Group A concludes their starship missions at 11:30 A.M., grabs lunch, and then spends the afternoon portion of their field trip immersed in the planetarium.
Group B finishes lunch and a quick break, then lines up to enter the Starships for their afternoon adventure as a crew.
More Than Just a Day Trip
By 1:30 P.M., the field trip program wraps up, and the students board their buses. The rest of the afternoon is filled with excited chatter: tales of a daring escape, stories of saving the ship with a quick-thinking decision, and sharing the new knowledge they gained in the planetarium.
This field trip program isn't just a fun day out; it is the primary purpose and most important function of the Space Center. It is the crucial first step where students are introduced to the facility and everything it offers.
From this single, inspiring day, a student's lifelong interest in science and space can take flight. It opens the door to other fantastic CMSC programs, including:
Space Adventure Camps
Leadership Camps
Public Planetarium Shows and Laser Shows
Private Starship Simulator Missions
Join the Mission: The Voyager Club
The passion for space doesn't have to end when you grow up! Both students and adults can join the Voyager Club, the Space Center's service organization. This is for anyone with an interest in space, astronomy, and science fiction who wants to give back. Voyager Club members serve the community by volunteering at the CMSC for five hours a month, assisting with programming, acting in the missions, visual effects, and even prop building.
To learn more about this incredible center and its programs, visit the official website!
Set a course for adventure! Find more information on the Christa McAuliffe Space Center and how you can join the mission at SpaceCenterUtah.org.
The Field Trip Program Video
Enjoy this video covering a typical school's visit to the Space Center in November 2025. The last field trip before the Thanksgiving break.