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Instructional Video

On This Day: The Launch of Sputnik

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet

The launch of Sputnik began the Space Race. Scholars learn the importance of the Russian launch of Sputnik and how it impacted the United States. The video also explores how Sputnik launched the Space Race and how the fear of Russian technological superiority fueled Cold War tensions.

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Concepts
sputnik, aerospace, space, space programs, space flight, space exploration, space travel, the space race, russia, nasa
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Additional Tags
social studies
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Instructional Ideas
  • Discuss how the launch of Sputnik affected the Cold War
  • Have learners research the Space Race in greater detail
Classroom Considerations
  • A free C-SPAN Classroom account is needed to access the resource, or teachers may use the following login credentials: Username: students, Password: C-SPANCLASSROOM

     
Pros
  • Video shows archival footage of the Sputnik launch
  • The resource uses interviews to discuss the launch from multiple points of view 
Cons
  • None