Montana Learning Center

-🌌 The universe is calling... have you answered yet? ✨🔭

Beyond the Big Sky is happening TONIGHT and TOMORROW NIGHT, and there's still time to grab your tickets!

Join us for Searching for Other Earths with featured astronomer Dr. Chani Nava, who will take you on an incredible journey beyond our solar system as she shares how scientists discover planets orbiting distant stars—and what it takes to find worlds that could be like our own. 🌎🪐

As darkness falls, make your way to the observatory and, weather permitting, enjoy breathtaking views of the cosmos through some of the largest telescopes of their kind in Montana. You'll see the night sky like never before! ✨🔭

Whether you're an astronomy enthusiast, bringing the family, or just looking for a unique summer evening, Beyond the Big Sky is an experience you won't want to miss.

🎟️ Tickets are still available for both nights!
Reserve yours now: https://montanalearning.org/beyond-big-sky/

We'll see you under the stars! 💙

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☀️ Smiles, sunshine, and lake days... that's what summer is all about! 😄🌊

Our campers are making the most of every moment—cruising the lake, soaking up the sunshine, and creating memories with friends that will last a lifetime. From laughter on the boat to adventures on the water, it's safe to say these happy campers are having an unforgettable summer! 💙🚤

Here's to more smiles, more fun, and more amazing days at MLC! 🌞

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-☀️ Paddle. Laugh. Repeat. 🚣💙

Nothing beats a day on the lake with friends, sunshine, and a kayak adventure! Our campers are making waves, building confidence, and creating memories that will last long after summer ends.

From first paddles to friendly races (and maybe a few splashes 😄), every moment is another reason to love camp life!

Who's ready to hit the water? 🌊☀️

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-✨ Featured Astronomer: Dr. Chani Nava 🔭

Join us August 7 and 8 for Searching for Other Earths, featuring special guest astronomer Dr. Chani Nava, Assistant Professor of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Montana.

A native Montanan, Dr. Nava studied astrophysics at the University of Montana before earning her Ph.D. from Harvard. Her research focuses on detecting planets orbiting stars beyond our Sun and helping scientists better understand distant worlds—including rocky planets that may share similarities with Earth.

During this engaging presentation, Dr. Nava will reveal how astronomers discover exoplanets, identify the stars that may host them, and continue the search for Earth-like worlds beyond our solar system. As a Montana scientist and educator, she is also an inspiring role model for young women pursuing opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Following the presentation, guests can visit the observatory for guided viewing through some of the largest telescopes of their kind in Montana (weather permitting), led by Montana Learning Center staff and volunteers from the Helena Astronomical Society.

Bring your curiosity and experience an unforgettable evening of science, discovery, and stargazing beneath the spectacular night sky at Canyon Ferry Lake.

🎟️ Reserve your tickets:
https://montanalearning.org/beyond-big-sky/

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-🔴 LEGO Robotics: Mission Mars 🚀🤖

3... 2... 1... Liftoff! 🌟

This week, our young engineers are blasting off on an unforgettable Mission Mars! Using LEGO robotics, campers are building and coding their own Mars rovers to conquer rocky terrain, complete exciting mission challenges, and collect valuable "Martian" data on our giant Red Planet map. 🌍➡️🔴

But the adventure doesn’t stop there! From rocky terrain to tricky obstacles, each challenge gives our future engineers a chance to build, code, collaborate, and discover—bringing them one step closer to becoming the next generation of space explorers! 🚀🤖🛰️

Who knew learning STEM could be this much fun? We can't wait to see where their imagination takes them next!

🚀 Are you ready to launch your journey to Mars?

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-✨🔭 The search for other worlds begins August 7 & 8!

Join special guest astronomer Dr. Chani Nava, Assistant Professor of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Montana, for an unforgettable evening under Montana's spectacular night sky. Discover how astronomers detect planets orbiting distant stars, explore the search for Earth-like worlds beyond our solar system, and experience the universe through some of the largest telescopes of their kind in Montana.

After the presentation, head to the observatory for guided telescope viewing with Montana Learning Center staff and volunteers from the Helena Astronomical Society. Bring your curiosity and prepare for a night of awe and discovery at Canyon Ferry Lake!

🎟️ Reserve your tickets:
https://montanalearning.org/beyond-big-sky/

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-🚁 From the classroom to the simulator, from the real thing to real-world application—Flight Squad took learning to new heights this week!

Our campers had a blast exploring aviation, meeting the professionals behind the mission, and seeing firsthand how classroom lessons connect to exciting careers in the real world.

A huge thank-you to the 1st Battalion (General Support Aviation), 189th Aviation Regiment for welcoming our kiddos and sharing your work, expertise, and passion for aviation. What an unforgettable experience! ✈️

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-✈️ Flight Squad week is soaring at the MLC! No flight camp would be complete without taking to the skies. Campers departed Helena, cruised past Canyon Ferry, flew up and over the MLC, and then headed back to the airport—headsets on and smiles all around! 🛩️😄

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-⚙️💦 Engineering in action! Our MLC engineering campers went behind the scenes at Canyon Ferry Dam to explore the systems, machines, and teamwork that keep things running. Big structures, bigger questions, and plenty of “Whoa, how does that work?!” moments made this a tour to remember! 🏗️🔧

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-☀️ Summer fun, summer memories! 🌊

From lake-day splashes and paddleboard adventures to sunshine, laughter, and new friendships—summer at MLC is all about moments worth remembering. 💛

Here’s to big skies, happy campers, and memories that will last long after the swimsuits dry! 🛶✨

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