School is back in session across the state and it's time to find out what's cool in schools this year!

Our first stop is the Challenger Learning Center of Kentucky located in Hazard. The Center is one of dozens across the nation that was created after the Space Shuttle Challenger crash in 1986. In this amazing hands-on museum, kids get an up close look at what lies beyond the Earth.

The day of our visit, students were enjoying the newly unveiled Mars Invasion. The program prepares students for a time that could be in their not so distant future when humans will try to inhabit Mars.

Students across the state are involved in Challenger learning programs at their school, they follow up what they've learned in the classroom with a trip the the Learning Center.

The Center will welcome it's 100,000 visitor this year and they hope to welcome more students from all parts of the state in the future!

That's why the Challenger Learning Center is cool!

This week's "cool" school is Wolfe County High School in Campton.

The school had two old maple trees in front of it and they were so overgrown, they had become a nuisance to those who drive in front of the school.

School officials decided to have them torn down but they had a plan for the tree stumps.

Harley Dougherty was called in to transform the trees...into art. Harley is a very talented chainsaw artist. He was asked to turn the stumps, into wolves, the school's mascot.

After days of work, what were once unsightly tree stumps..are now beautiful creations!

Principal Greg Creech says they are a source of school pride for the entire community.

Students..faculty..and Wolfe County residents watched in awe as Harley worked his magic! They say his artwork is something the entire town will treasure for years and years to come!

That's why Wolfe County High School..is a cool school!

This week's "cool" school is Glenn Marshall Elementary in Richmond.

The students have a special "pet" pig they call Bacon who is helping them go green!

Bacon isn't an actual pig but he is a composter in the shape of a pig. The students collect leftover food from the school's cafeteria and "feed" Bacon. They use those materials to help maintain a garden at their school.

The students are growing vegetables and herbs in their garden. They grew mint they were able to use in non-alcoholic Mint Juleps they enjoyed around Derby time.

Teachers say students are so interested in the garden, they are even taking home the lessons they're learning to their parents. One student told us she has encouraged her parents to start their own garden and to start recycling.

That's what makes Glenn Marshall Elementary a "cool" school!