NASA
Nasa: Space Shuttle Basics
Basics of space shuttle operations are explained, including details of launch vehicle and orbiter configuration. Information on each shuttle Enterprise, Columbia, Challenger, Discovery, Atlantis, Endeavour is included. Has video and...
NASA
History of the Space Shuttle
Entry portal to NASA's site on the background and history of the Space Shuttle.
NASA
Nasa: Engineering Design Challenges: Spacecraft Structures Educator Guide
This detailed educator's guide provides a lesson in designing the structure of a spacecraft. The design challenge contains pre-lab activities and instructions for how to test the models.
CommonLit
Common Lit: "Ronald Reagan on the Challenger Disaster" by President Ronald Reagan
President Ronald Reagan delivered this speech to the grieving nation on January 28, 1986, when the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded 73 seconds after liftoff, leading to the death of its seven crew members. A specific purpose for reading...
PBS
Pbs Newshour Extra: Space Shuttle Challenger Tragedy
To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the explosion of the Challenger, PBS provides an article that describes the repercussions of the disaster.
![Pbs Kids: Design Squad Challenge: Touchdown (Pdf) [Pdf] Handout](https://content.lessonplanet.com/knovation/original/39869-d33e02b173ea98cb8d263c68cd33b539.jpg?1661243844 "Pbs Kids: Design Squad Challenge: Touchdown (Pdf) [Pdf] Handout")
PBS
Pbs Kids: Design Squad Challenge: Touchdown (Pdf) [Pdf]
Hands-on challenge to build a shock-absorbing system that will protect astronauts when they land on the moon. Provides full list of materials with ideas on how to design, build, test, evaluate, and redesign it if necessary. Activity...
NASA
Nasa: Information on the Sts 51 L Challenger Accident
The mission profile of the Challenger accident, including the sequence of events, images and movie clips, crew profiles, and the report of the Presidential Commission.
![Pbs Kids: Design Squad Challenge: Launch It (Pdf) [Pdf] Handout](https://content.lessonplanet.com/knovation/original/36107-c0d2df3d606700761ca15213bf4cfa5c.jpg?1661243842 "Pbs Kids: Design Squad Challenge: Launch It (Pdf) [Pdf] Handout")
PBS
Pbs Kids: Design Squad Challenge: Launch It (Pdf) [Pdf]
Hands-on challenge to design an air-powered rocket to take you to the moon that can hit a distant target. Provides full list of materials with ideas on how to design, build, test, evaluate, and redesign it if necessary. Activity focuses...
FOX News
Fox News: Columbia Accident Investigation Board Report (Volume Ii) Aug. 26, 2003 [Pdf]
Part two of the official CAIB report on the Space Shuttle Columbia tragedy. This PDF document is lengthy, but there is a table of contents to help focus your research. Topics covered in this outstanding primary source document include an...
NASA
Nasa Environmental Control and Life Support Systems Water Filtration Challenge
This educator guide provides students with a challenge to design, build, and test a water filtration system, simulating what is used in a spacecraft. Includes background information, lesson plans, and extension activities.
A&E Television
History.com: How Landing the First Man on the Moon Cost Dozens of Lives
NASA was preparing feverishly for a moon landing in a race against the former Soviet Union to honor slain president John F. Kennedy's 1961 pledge for the country to land a spacecraft on the moon (and return safely) before the end of the...
National Women's Hall of Fame
National Women's Hall of Fame: Sally Ride
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.
Other
Engineering Your Future Ohio: Challenger Case Study
Case study focuses on the decision made by engineers to launch the space shuttle in the conditions present on the morning of Challenger distaster. For this project, students participate in a mock trial surrounding whether the decision...
Discovery Education
Discovery Education: 3 M Young Scientist Challenge
Have you ever imagined going on an actual archaeological dig, climbing aboard a NASA spacecraft, or collecting insects in remote rain forests? This NASA site is your chance to join Discovery School winners on their exciting science...
Read Works
Read Works: A Stargazers Guide to Mission Control
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text about a tour of the Johnson Space Center's Mission Control room. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Plix Series: Satellites, Shuttles, and Space Stations
[Free Registration/Login Required] Simulate the launch of a rocket to see how rocket propulsion works. After the activity, answer a challenge question to check for understanding.
Seymour Brody
Jewish Heroes in America: Judith Resnik
This site has a biography of Astronaut Judith Resnik who was the second woman to travel in space.