Christa McAuliffe: Teacher in Space

As the nation looked up in stunned horror, Christa McAuliffe, the first teacher in space and six others aboard the Challenger space shuttle lost their lives when the ship exploded. McAuliffe instantly became a hero and a symbol of the spirit of the American teacher-— brave, innovative, challenging, and prepared to push the boundaries to ensure the education of the next generation. Today, Christa McAuliffe lives on, as she is the recipient of living memorials—schools and education centers that bear her name and spirit. Christa McAuliffe: Teacher in Space would be useful for classes on American History, American Culture, Education, Science and Technology and Civics. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

• afforded
• besieged
• colleagues
• elaborate
• emulate
• envious
• excruciate
• frustration
• implement
• intense
• resolve
• self-confidence

1. Outerspace is often called the “New Frontier?” Why? Who gave it this name?

2. Americans have often exhibited “pioneer spirit.” What is pioneer spirit? Did Christa McAuliffe possess it? What other Americans have exhibited this pioneer spirit?

3. In 1957 the Soviet Union launched Sputnik, a small satellite. What was the American reaction to this satellite? How did this satellite revise the US space program, and the US education system?

4. Anne Malavich, Christa McAuliffe’s best friend called Christa McAuliffe’s friendship “unconditional.” What is “unconditional friendship?” What relationships in your life are “unconditional?”

5. Discuss how Christa McAuliffe’s teachers influenced her. How have your teachers influenced you?

6. Christa McAuliffe became the first non-astronaut in space. Why did NASA choose her to be the first teacher in space?

7. Discuss how Christa McAuliffe “reached for the stars” not only as the first teacher in space, but in other aspects of her life.

8. Christa McAuliffe was well aware of the dangers of space travel. Yet, she freely chose to go. Why?

9. The Challenger explosion was the worst disaster of the American space program. Why did the Challenger explode? Could it have been prevented?

10. What is the legacy of Christa McAuliffe?

1. Imagine that you are a reporter covering the Challenger launch. Write an eyewitness account of the tragedy for your readers.

2. Create a mobile that illustrates some of the major achievements and failures of NASA.

3. Design a monument to the Challenger crew.