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Biography
John Glenn: The All-American Hero
Test pilot, astronaut, senator, hero—these are some of the roles played by John Glenn in his remarkable life and career. He was the first American to orbit the earth, and over thirty-five years later became the oldest man in space at the age of 77. John Glenn has been hailed as an American hero, a senior statesman and a living example of the “can do” spirit. But Glenn also failed in his greatest aspiration—to become president of the United States. John Glenn: The All-American Hero would be useful for classes in American History, American Culture, Science and Technology and Civics. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.
Vocabulary
Discussion Questions
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Why is John Glenn called an “All-American hero?” What other “all-American heroes” have their been in American history?
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Over thirty-five years separated John Glenn’s travels in space. Compare the era during Glenn’s first space flight with the era of his second space flight.
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How did World War II shape John Glenn’s future?
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John Glenn was well aware of the dangers of his first mission. Why did Glenn choose to orbit the earth despite the danger?
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John Glenn faced a specific danger during his orbital flight. What was that danger?
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In November of 1963, an assassin killed President John F. Kennedy. Five years later, another assassin killed his brother, Robert F. Kennedy. How did the Kennedy assassinations affect John Glenn, and the American people?
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John Glenn served as a United States senator, representing his home state of Ohio. How did John Glenn go from astronaut and marine to politician?
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Why didn’t John Glenn ever become president?
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John Glenn flew his second space mission at the age of 77. What was the purpose of his second flight?
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What is John Glenn’s legacy?
Related Videos
Primary Sources
- Design a space ship for future space flight that could perhaps take astronauts to another planet.
- Create a commemoration of John Glenn’s Friendship 7 flight.
Air Dates
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