Khan Academy
Khan Academy: The Start of the Space Race
Looks at the USSR's launch of Sputnik and the galvanizing effect it had on America's motivation to fund aerospace research. NASA was soon formed and more funding was put in place for public education in the sciences and math.
NASA
Nasa Space Science Data Archive: Chronology of Lunar and Planetary Exploration
A detailed chronology of all Russian and American attempts at lunar and planetary exploration. Contains links to each individual spacecraft.
Digital Public Library of America
Dpla: Race to the Moon
In 1955, the US and the USSR each announced plans to launch a satellite into orbit. Thus began the race to the moon. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, the American space program and its new classes of astronauts achieved breakthroughs in...
NASA
Nasa: Tests Versus Time in the Race for Space
This NASA site offers a good description of the ongoing space race during the Kennedy administration, discussing the "nip and tuck" of the Soviet-U.S. race. Also includes a description of Kennedy's new special assistant for science and...
Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of American History: Teaching Math & Science in Age of Sputnik
Why did the Soviet Union's launch of Sputnik throw the fields of mathematics and science into tremendous demand in the United States? Find the many ways this revolutionary event impacted children from the 1950s to become the...
Other
Iki: Russian Space Research Institute
The official site for the "leading organization of the Russian Academy of Sciences in the field of investigations of Outer Space, Solar System planets and other objects of the Universe"
NASA
Nasa Space Science Data Archive: Russian Lunar Missions
Details the Russian lunar missions from Luna 1 to Zond 8.
University of Wisconsin
The Why Files: Sputnik's Legacy
This exploratory article (published September 11, 1997) outlines the history of the Sputnik Space program, but also includes the response within the United States educational system to speedily ramp up the study of science, math and...
History Link
History Link: Century 21: The Seattle World's Fair Part 1
Captivating site chronicles the history of the 1962 World's Fair in Seattle, also known as Century 21. This event gave Seattle it's most well-known landmark, the Space Needle. Discusses the uphill battle to get a World's Fair in Seattle...
Curated OER
Npr: Sputnik at 50: Looking Back at the Space Race
The Soviets were surprised at the world's reaction to their accomplishment. Little did they know that they had thrust the world into the Space Age. NPR supplies historic facts, thoughts of people involved, and information on the impact...
Curated OER
Npr: Sputnik at 50: Looking Back at the Space Race
The Soviets were surprised at the world's reaction to their accomplishment. Little did they know that they had thrust the world into the Space Age. NPR supplies historic facts, thoughts of people involved, and information on the impact...
Curated OER
Npr: Sputnik at 50: Looking Back at the Space Race
The Soviets were surprised at the world's reaction to their accomplishment. Little did they know that they had thrust the world into the Space Age. NPR supplies historic facts, thoughts of people involved, and information on the impact...
University of Wisconsin
The Why Files: Sputnik's Legacy
Easy-to-read history of the Soviet satellite launch that began the race for space between the Soviet Union and United States. Click on "next" at the bottom to advance to the next page.
Read Works
Read Works: Humanity on the Record
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text about prehistoric evolution of the human race. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
History Link
History Link: The 1962 Seattle World's Fair
A history of the Seattle World's Fair held in 1962. Includes in-depth details of exhibits and attendees, including Prince Phillip of England and Elvis Presley. Wonderful pictures of many of the fair's promotional posters.
BBC
Bbc News: Trouble for British Mars Lander
This site contains the BBC News story on the 2003 European mission to Mars and Britain's race to finish the Beagle 2 lander in time for the trip.
Other
Popular Mechanics: Technology
Popular Mechanics covers the latest in technology. Topics include computers, the Internet, audio, television, and more.