Website
Smithsonian Institution

National Air and Space Museum: Apollo to the Moon

For Students 9th - 10th
This resource offers an in-depth exploration of the U.S. space program and the role President John F. Kennedy took in setting the agenda for manned space flight to the moon.
Handout
NASA

Nasa: Astronaut Biography:john Glenn

For Students 9th - 10th
Extensive biographical information with personal data, education, special honors, aviation experience, NASA experience and space flight experience.
Activity
Smithsonian Institution

National Air and Space Museum: Milestones of Flight

For Students 9th - 10th
This Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum site tells the history of fight with an easy to use timeline. Also, find out about specific flights in the list of links.
Primary
NASA

Nasa: An American in Orbit

For Students 9th - 10th
This site from NASA provides a detailed description of the first manned American orbital flight of a Mercury spacecraft.
Handout
NASA

Nasa: Astronaut Biography: m.lopez Alegria

For Students 9th - 10th
Read biographical facts about this Spanish-born astronaut who is the veteran of three space flights including the Columbia, the Discovery, and the Endeavour.
Lesson Plan
PBS

Pbs Teachers: Scientific American: Super People: Getting the Minerals Out

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Explore the composition and physiology of bones, describe how humans lose bone mass and explain how this becomes a challenge for extended space flight. Compare and contrast the decalcifying properties of several liquids.
Primary
US National Archives

Our Documents: Transcript of John Glenn's Official Communication

For Students 9th - 10th
The official transcription of John Glenn's in-flight communication with Mission Control during his orbit around the earth in 1962.
Website
CNN

Cnn: Space Shuttle Columbia Special Report

For Students 9th - 10th
CNN.com provides a thorough look at the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster. Here, read press releases, watch videos, view images, and use interactive programs.
Website
NASA

Nasa: Buildup for the Space Offensive

For Students 9th - 10th
This site from NASA provides a detailed description of the events immediately preceding the first American in orbit mission of the Mercury spacecraft Friendship 7.
Website
Other

We Choose the Moon

For Students 9th - 10th
Feel like you were right there when Apollo 11 was launched as you listen to the actual Mission Control audio from that date. The mission is further brought to life by photos and video of the event as well as a virtual animation. Go...
Website
NASA

Nasa: John Glenn the Hero

For Students 9th - 10th
This site from NASA provides a detailed description of events following the successful 3 Earth orbit mission of the Friendship 7 Mercury spacecraft.
Website
National Women's Hall of Fame

National Women's Hall of Fame: Sally Ride

For Students 9th - 10th
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.
Primary
NASA

Nasa: Shepard's Ride

For Students 9th - 10th
This site from NASA provides a detailed description of the flight of the first American to travel into space aboard the Freedom 7 Mercury spacecraft in 1961.
Primary
NASA

Nasa: Briefing the Briefers

For Students 9th - 10th
This site from NASA provides detailed information about the successful flight of the Mercury 3, Freedom 7 spacecraft.
Website
Other

Graduating Engineer: Without Limits

For Students 9th - 10th
This article features an interview with astronaut Ellen Ochoa in which she discusses minority issues and encourages higher education. A lot of biographical information is also included.
Website
NPR: National Public Radio

Npr: A Small Step to the Moon, a Giant Leap to Mars

For Students 9th - 10th
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.
Primary
NASA

Nasa: Liberty Bell Tolls

For Students 9th - 10th
This site from NASA provides a detailed description of the second flight of a Mercury spacecraft and the second American to travel in space.