NASA
Nasa: Space Shuttle Glider
Assemble a basic scale model of the space shuttle as a hands-on activity. The activity features math-related concepts such as finding the scale of the paper model and the glide ratio of its flight.
NASA
Nasa: Upcoming Space Shuttle Launches
Updated information on details of the next scheduled shuttle launch, including mission objectives and crew biographies. A link is also included to mission reports of past Space Shuttle flights.
NASA
History of the Space Shuttle
Entry portal to NASA's site on the background and history of the Space Shuttle.
NASA
Nasa: Orion: Nasa's New Spacecraft on the Journey to Mars
Learn all about the spacecraft Orion, which took its first flight to space in December 2014. A trip to Mars is planned next. Learn how its design compares to that of the Apollo, what new technology it has, and what has been done to...
CNN
Cnn: Space Shuttle Columbia Special Report
CNN.com provides a thorough look at the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster. Here, read press releases, watch videos, view images, and use interactive programs.
Other
Boston Globe: Space Shuttle Columbia: Final Moments
A graphic explanation of the final moments of the Space Shuttle Columbia.
New York Times
New York Times: The Final Flight: Disaster Strikes a Venerable Spacecraft
Outstanding resource for studying the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster. Full illustrated explanations of the descent, the problem with foam, reports of last mission, debris, etc. Photos, audio, maps, and other graphics are available.
NASA
Nasa: Shuttle Reference
This site from NASA goes into great detail about the physical makeup of the Space Shuttle, and includes sidebars with further information about NASA and the manned space program.
Other
Boston Globe: Shuttle Debris Area
Map of the debris left by the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster.
BBC
Bbc: Seven Die in Shuttle Disaster
In this detailed report, the BBC explores the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster. There is interactive media, video of the break up, and biographical information.
NASA
Nasa: Human Space Flight
This site provides a wealth of information regarding space exploration. Content includes spaceflight history, real-time data, shuttle information, a gallery of photos, and more information from the NASA archives.
Read Works
Read Works: Return to Flight
[Free Registration/Login Required] Students read about Eileen Collins, first woman to pilot a space shuttle. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in cause and effect.
BBC
Bbc: Columbia: Space Pioneer
The BBC provides a brief profile of the Space Shuttle Columbia before its demise in 2003.
BBC
Bbc: Sharon Backs Space Programme
The BBC explores the Israel's reaction to the Space Shuttle Columbia tragedy and the death of Israeli astronaut Ilan Ramon.
Curated OER
National Park Service: America's Space Program Exploring a New Frontier
This site includes a instructional activity for teachers to use when teaching about America's space program. Also included is the history of the space program, maps, readings, images of the space program, and benefits that resulted from...
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...
BBC
Bbc: Were Lost Tiles to Blame?
From February 2003, a Q&A discussing damaged tiles and other problems that the Space Shuttle Columbia faced during its re-entry and subsequent explosion.
NASA
Nasa: Gemini: Stepping Stone to the Moon: 40 Years Later
On the 40th anniversary of the launch of Gemini XII, NASA offers a comprehensive overview of the manned space flight program that was the first to include two-man spacecraft and was designated Gemini in 1962.
US National Archives
Our Documents: Transcript of John Glenn's Official Communication
The official transcription of John Glenn's in-flight communication with Mission Control during his orbit around the earth in 1962.
Curated OER
Flowers Next to Space Shuttle Debris
This February, 2003, article, discusses the reaction in the United States to the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster.
Curated OER
Space Shuttle Columbia Breaks Up Over Texas
This June, 2005, article discusses a report that states that NASA has not been meeting safety recommendations that were made after the Space Shuttle Columbia tragedy. Article also covers the tragedy itself and a possible cause of the...
BBC
Bbc: Israeli Astronaut Carried Nation's Dreams
The BBC examines the meaning of Ilan Ramon's participation in the Space Shuttle Columbia mission to his home country of Israel. (February, 2003)
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.
NASA
Nasa: An American in Orbit
This site from NASA provides a detailed description of the first manned American orbital flight of a Mercury spacecraft.