Fly a simulated mission to the moon, build a robot, or manufacture and market your own product.

When the interactive Science sPace Aeronautics Center for Education (iSPACE) opens in Cincinnati in January 2005, more than 35,000 students from 28 counties are expected to participate in hands-on-learning annually.

iSPACE is a sponsor of the Cincinnati Regional First Lego League Robotics Competition.

With U.S. students falling behind in science, math and technology disciplines, programs like First Lego League and centers like iSPACE can provide involvement in these areas, said Nelson Vincent. He is assistant dean for research and development and outreach at the University of Cincinnati's College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services.

"We're really brokering a change in how math and science is delivered to our children and our teachers," said Vincent, who serves on the iSPACE board. iSPACE will have 11 components, including a Challenger Learning Center, one of 46 in the United States, Canada and United Kingdom.

All of its programs will be focused on science, math and technology.

To date, $1 million of the $3.8 million cost has been raised.

For information: go to www.ispaceohio.org.

Anna Guido