In June 1963, Russian cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova became the first woman in space. Since then, women have continued to reach milestones in the space program. Women worked in the US Space program as researchers, mathematicians, and engineers. To understand how man walked on the moon, you have to look at the contributions of these pioneering women.

Today, you will create a newspaper article about a pioneering woman in the space program!

Step 1: Let’s start by getting to know some of these women of space. Hats off to the many women who have the honor of “firsts” in the space program. Watch this video to learn more about these amazing women and their recorded astronaut “firsts”. Older students can watch this video about NASA honoring the past, present, and future of women in space.

Step 2: Now let’s focus on two popular American women of space. America’s first woman in space was Sally Ride. Watch this video to learn more about her space journey. Another woman who followed her dreams was Mae Jemison, the first African American female astronaut. Learn more about her life and dreams from as early as a child here.

Step 3: Did you know that many women have made contributions to the space program without even traveling to space. Explore this read aloud to learn more about Dorothy Vaugh, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden.

Step 4: Using the information you have learned about women in space, create a newspaper article to tell others about the accomplishments of these women. Your article should include illustrations as well as text. Use one of these templates to help you format your article.

Step 5: Be sure to ask an adult to share your newspaper article on social media using #MakerMonday & #AlwaysLearning!

Additional Resources:

NASA STEM at Home Activities

Most Recent Woman Astronauts

There are many aspiring astronauts in the world. Maybe one of them is you! Have you ever wondered how you get to become an astronaut? It’s all about having a plan, setting goals, and working hard. What kinds of special training do you think you would you have to do to prepare for a trip into space? Have you ever wanted to hear from an astronaut about their training?

Today, you will explore the process of becoming an astronaut and think about how you could plan for a career as an astronaut!

Step 1: One of the first steps is to be accepted into the NASA astronaut program.  Let’s read about how astronaut Anne McClain explains her personal experience through the astronaut process and gives advice to other aspiring astronauts. This article will give you more information on the requirements for becoming an astronaut.

Step 2: Astronauts have to spend a lot of time in training. This includes learning the basics of the International Space Station, walking in space, weightlessness, and being able to use important equipment. Watch this video to see some of astronaut Jessica Meir's training. Canadian astronaut Jenni Sidey-Gibbons answers questions about astronaut training and her personal experience here.

Step 3: Calling all aspiring astronauts!  You are not too young to begin thinking about being an astronaut. There are many things you can be doing right now. Explore this video as astronaut Kate Rubins gives career advice to kids. Let’s also listen to “Astronaut Abby” as she talks to all aspiring astronauts.

Step 4: Another exciting thing you can do is to attend Space Camp. Watch this video to see just what fun and exciting things you will get to do at camp. For more books on space, visit this site.

Step 5: Ask a family member to share what you learned about coding on social media using #WonderWednesdayTN & #AlwaysLearning!

Additional Resources:

STEM Careers For Kids: Astronauts

10 Facts for Becoming a NASA Astronaut

It takes a tremendous amount of people and knowledge to put people into orbit. We have already looked at the requirements and training for being an astronaut. But there are only a handful of people will make it to that specific job. But there are many other exciting career options related to space and the space program that are just as important as being an astronaut. 

Today, you will explore careers related to space travel!

Step 1: A spacesuit designer will need a background in engineering and must look at all the requirements of each mission to design their suits to meet the needs of the astronaut. They have to make sure that the astronaut is kept alive and comfortable.  Check out this video to learn more about some of the requirements when designing a spacesuit and this video to learn about new spacesuits designed for the 2024 lunar mission.

Step 2: A career in space medicine looks at the effects of being in space on the human body. These doctors and medical researchers work hard to make sure that astronauts are safe and healthy during their long trips into space. Explore this article to read about how space doctors are trained.

Step 3: An astronomer is a scientist who focuses on the study of space including the stars, planets, and galaxies. Don't confuse astronomers with astrologers.  This article tells you all about what astronomers do.

 Step 4: Being trained in advanced mathematics and physics can lead you to becoming an aerospace engineer. One of their jobs is to work on spacecraft. So what do aerospace engineers do? This video tells more about their job.

Step 5:  Ask a family member to share something you learned about one of the careers using #FutureFridayTN & #AlwaysLearning!



Additional Resources:

Careers in Space Science

Jobs in Space