The Challenger Learning Center of Northwest Indiana is teaching students the science and physics behind walking on the moon during the Underwater Astronaut Training Camp. A beginner's camp session will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on July 8 and 9 and an advanced session for students who have attended a beginner's camp session is scheduled for July 29 and 30.

Students, ages 11 through 14, will receive basic training from certified SCUBA instructors on how to use SCUBA gear underwater to learn about space walking. During the two-day camp, students will also learn about neutral buoyancy, density, astronaut training and other space and science topics.

"This is a great way for students to get a feel for the work that astronauts like Col. Jerry Ross perform during their amazing spacewalks. Those astronauts train in the Sonny Carter Neutral Buoyancy Lab in Houston for many hours before being deemed spacewalk ready," said Becky Manis, Executive Director of the Challenger Learning Center of Northwest Indiana.

"Our students are mirroring some of that training at the Hammond YMCA. But no matter the location, it's an amazing opportunity to try out something new and learn about the amazing research and plans for exploration being completed by our nation's space program," said Manis.

Challenger Learning Center of Northwest Indiana is a nonprofit 501c3 organization that educates students in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) subjects with the goal of encouraging students to pursue STEM careers.

Registration is still open for the July 29 and 30 camp session. Cost is $125 per student and includes gear rental. For more information on the center or to register for the camp, visit www.clcnwi.com or call 219-989-3250.