McGraw-Hill Science 2005

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Macmillan/McGraw-Hill Science Grade 5
Grade 5
e-Journal

Space Missions

Step 1. Questions

Beginning in the years after World War Two, both the United States and the Soviet Union began exploring space. In the years since, space missions have provided great knowledge, great adventure, and some of mankind’s greatest achievements.

For this e-Journal project, you will research and report on at least three different space missions. Here are questions to ask about each mission.
  • What was the goal of the mission? Was the goal achieved?
  • What spacecraft or other vehicles did the mission use?
  • What astronauts participated in the mission?
  • What happened during the mission? Did the mission proceed as planned?
  • What new knowledge or discoveries came from the mission?
  • What questions do you have about missions to space?
Are you ready? Begin by visiting the Web sites listed in Step 2. Look for the answers to the questions listed above, and write down what you learn in the note-taking boxes.

You may use search engines to research other Web sites. Or research space exploration at the library. When you are ready, follow Steps 3 and 4 to write your report.



Step 2. Research

Research answers for the questions you were asked in Step 1. Visit these Web sites. Take notes about them on this page, too!

The Apollo Program
In the 1960s and 1970s, NASA’s Apollo program sent astronauts to the Moon and returned them safely. Learn all about the different Apollo missions at this Web site. And be sure to click the links on the left to learn about Apollo astronauts and spacecraft.
Take Notes:



CNN Space Exploration Gallery: Shuttle Missions
Beginning in the 1980s, NASA has been sending astronauts into space on space shuttles. Learn about the space shuttles and shuttle missions at this Web site.
Take Notes:



John Glenn Chronology
John Glenn is one of the first astronauts. Learn about his remarkable career and the missions he flew on.
Take Notes:



Go to Step 3 or Save My Notes


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