By blending science, technology, and engineering with social studies, humanities, and art, the program transports students into exciting, hands-on learning adventures. 

Housed within the Imaginarium is one of the eight Dream Flight Adventures™ simulators worldwide, with locations ranging from a retrofitted school bus in Washington, D.C., to an immersive lab in Venezuela. At PHES, the IKS Dreamcatcher plays an integral role in the STEM curriculum for third, fourth, and fifth graders. 

Inside the Imaginarium, students take on specialized roles - ranging from geneticist to cybersecurity officer - as they work to complete thrilling missions. Dream Flight Adventures™ simulators allow students to journey to outer space, under the sea, back in time, through the human body, or anywhere else their imagination leads. 

The success or failure of each mission can depend on a single decision, reinforcing the importance of collaboration and responsibility. The missions students partake in are dynamic and fast-paced, allowing up to 32 players at a time. 

The Imaginarium is designed to look like an innovative fusion of a futuristic spaceship and high-tech theater. It is equipped with iPads for each student, an intercom system for communication, and a large screen projecting a virtual world. Penn Hills Elementary STEM teacher Mr. Jeremy Rega guides students through missions from outside the simulator while assuming different roles, such as mission control or an earthling in distress while communicating with students through the intercom system. 

Currently, students have been exploring the simulator in training mode. Once students become more familiar with the simulator and its functions, Mr. Rega hopes to have students complete missions in the Imaginarium every month. 

"The Imaginarium is a one-of-a-kind learning tool that brings STEM education to life for our students," said Superintendent Dr. John Mozzocio. "It's exciting to see them fully engaged, working together, and developing skills that will serve them well beyond the classroom and their time at Penn Hills."

While the IKS Dreamcatcher is primarily for third through fifth-grade PHES students, it will also welcome visitors from other grade levels, school districts, and community groups.