PELLA — NASA and the moon landings connected curious minds at Central College where 200 prospective students attended Scholar Days in January and February. These events welcomed admitted students to campus to learn about the college and to earn additional academic scholarships, up to full tuition.

Samuel DeMeulenaere, of Chelsea, attended Central’s Scholar Day.

Students discussed with faculty and staff the moon landing and the theoretical exploration of the dark side of the moon. Scholarship candidates prepared for the day by learning more about the Apollo project and hearing NASA astronaut, Raja Chari, discuss his experience as an astronaut.

During Scholar Day, participants were interviewed by faculty and invited to discuss how NASA team members embody engaged citizenship and how skills like critical thinking and working collaboratively made space missions possible. The group challenge is designed to showcase students’ collaboration, creativity and communication skills.