TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Slingshot to the Outer Planets
Students are introduced to the engineering challenges involved with interplanetary space travel. In particular, they learn about the gravity assist or "slingshot" maneuver often used by engineers to send spacecraft to the outer planets....
![Pbs Kids: Design Squad Challenge: Touchdown (Pdf) [Pdf] Handout](https://content.lessonplanet.com/knovation/original/39869-d33e02b173ea98cb8d263c68cd33b539.jpg?1661243844 "Pbs Kids: Design Squad Challenge: Touchdown (Pdf) [Pdf] Handout")
PBS
Pbs Kids: Design Squad Challenge: Touchdown (Pdf) [Pdf]
Hands-on challenge to build a shock-absorbing system that will protect astronauts when they land on the moon. Provides full list of materials with ideas on how to design, build, test, evaluate, and redesign it if necessary. Activity...
NASA
Nasa: Information on the Sts 51 L Challenger Accident
The mission profile of the Challenger accident, including the sequence of events, images and movie clips, crew profiles, and the report of the Presidential Commission.
![Pbs Kids: Design Squad Challenge: Launch It (Pdf) [Pdf] Handout](https://content.lessonplanet.com/knovation/original/36107-c0d2df3d606700761ca15213bf4cfa5c.jpg?1661243842 "Pbs Kids: Design Squad Challenge: Launch It (Pdf) [Pdf] Handout")
PBS
Pbs Kids: Design Squad Challenge: Launch It (Pdf) [Pdf]
Hands-on challenge to design an air-powered rocket to take you to the moon that can hit a distant target. Provides full list of materials with ideas on how to design, build, test, evaluate, and redesign it if necessary. Activity focuses...
![Fox News: Columbia Accident Investigation Board Report (Volume Ii) Aug. 26, 2003 [Pdf] Website](https://d15y2dacu3jp90.cloudfront.net/images/attachment_defaults/resource/large/FPO-knovation.png "Fox News: Columbia Accident Investigation Board Report (Volume Ii) Aug. 26, 2003 [Pdf] Website")
FOX News
Fox News: Columbia Accident Investigation Board Report (Volume Ii) Aug. 26, 2003 [Pdf]
Part two of the official CAIB report on the Space Shuttle Columbia tragedy. This PDF document is lengthy, but there is a table of contents to help focus your research. Topics covered in this outstanding primary source document include an...
Ducksters
Ducksters: Biography: Sally Ride for Kids
A site containing the biography of Sally Ride who was the first American woman astronaut in outer space. She rode on the space shuttle Challenger.
Read Works
Read Works: A Stargazers Guide to Mission Control
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text about a tour of the Johnson Space Center's Mission Control room. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
NASA
Nasa Environmental Control and Life Support Systems Water Filtration Challenge
This educator guide provides students with a challenge to design, build, and test a water filtration system, simulating what is used in a spacecraft. Includes background information, lesson plans, and extension activities.
A&E Television
History.com: How Landing the First Man on the Moon Cost Dozens of Lives
NASA was preparing feverishly for a moon landing in a race against the former Soviet Union to honor slain president John F. Kennedy's 1961 pledge for the country to land a spacecraft on the moon (and return safely) before the end of the...
Other
Engineering Your Future Ohio: Challenger Case Study
Case study focuses on the decision made by engineers to launch the space shuttle in the conditions present on the morning of Challenger distaster. For this project, students participate in a mock trial surrounding whether the decision...
Discovery Education
Discovery Education: 3 M Young Scientist Challenge
Have you ever imagined going on an actual archaeological dig, climbing aboard a NASA spacecraft, or collecting insects in remote rain forests? This NASA site is your chance to join Discovery School winners on their exciting science...
TED Talks
Ted: Ted Ed: Eyes on the Stars
On January 28, 1986, NASA Challenger mission STS-51-L ended in tragedy when the shuttle exploded 73 seconds after takeoff. On board was physicist Ronald E. McNair, who was the second African American to enter space. But first, he was a...
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Plix Series: Satellites, Shuttles, and Space Stations
[Free Registration/Login Required] Simulate the launch of a rocket to see how rocket propulsion works. After the activity, answer a challenge question to check for understanding.
NASA
Nasa: Astronaut Biography: Francis R. (Dick) Scobee
NASA's official biography of Dick Scobee, the commander of the Challenger spacecraft which exploded after launch.
NASA
Nasa: Astronaut Biography: Ronald E. Mc Nair, ph.d
Official NASA biography of Ronald McNair, the mission specialist on the Challenger spacecraft which exploded shortly after launch.
NASA
Nasa: Astronaut Biography: Ellison S. Onizuka
Official NASA biography of Ellison S. Onizuka, the mission specialist on the Challenger spacecraft which exploded shortly after launch.
NASA
Nasa: Astronaut Biography: Judith A. Resnik, ph.d.
The official NASA biography for Judith A. Resnik who was the mission specialist on board the Challenger spacecraft when it exploded in 1986.
National Women's Hall of Fame
National Women's Hall of Fame: Sally Ride
This biography of Sally Ride describes her selection as mission specialist to the Challenger space shuttle flight, in which she became the first American woman to travel into space.
NASA
Nasa Star Child: Dr. Sally Ride
Here you can learn all about Sally Ride, the first American woman to orbit Earth. Also, learn a fun trivia fact about Sally Ride!
NPR: National Public Radio
Npr: A Small Step to the Moon, a Giant Leap to Mars
Read the article or listen to the story of remembrances of the Apollo program, especially Apollo 11. Explains some of the challenges of sending astronauts to Mars.
Seymour Brody
Jewish Heroes in America: Judith Resnik
This site has a biography of Astronaut Judith Resnik who was the second woman to travel in space.