The IKS Highlander simulator was made possible through a grant from The Grable Foundation and Dream Flight Adventures. Currently, there are 8 missions that we have access to from other school districts that have a simulator space. Harrison’s mission is called Contaminant and was customized to the Wonders of Water project.
The missions use science fiction and fantasy storytelling and blends STEM topics from social studies, science, humanities, and art. The simulator’s mission is game-like in the fact that students are involved in interactive storytelling using role-playing and open-ended scenarios. The experience transforms a room into a themed environment simulating a ship that can travel through time and space where students accomplish educational missions. These missions use a sixteen member crew who are assigned roles like pilot, engineer, or doctor. Each crew member is responsible for different functions of the ship. Their ability to teamwork will enable them to be successful or fail the mission. Current missions address content from multiple contents areas. Through this experience, students will develop STEM skills and critical 21st century skills like collaboration, problem-solving, and communication that will prepare them for future educational endeavors and the skills needed in the workforce.