Astrotwins -- Project Blastoff
#1 of 2 in Astrotwins Series
on Goodreads (193)
What’s inside...
A team of middle schoolers, including twins Mark and Scott, face a summer of no TV and chores at their grandfather's house as punishment for breaking their dad's calculator. To escape their boredom and constant bickering, they decide to build a rocket with the help of their friends, Jenny and a crew of can-do kids. Inspired by their grandfather's suggestion to work together on something constructive, they aim to create a rocket that will orbit the Earth. The story, written by NASA astronaut Mark Kelly, is based on his real childhood with his twin brother, Scott, and includes extensive back matter on the space program with fascinating facts and details.
Character compass
Mark Kelly
Scott Kelly
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the twins to build their own spaceship, and have you ever wanted to create something unique?
How did the twins feel when they faced challenges during their project, and what can you learn from their reactions?
If you could meet the twins, what questions would you ask them and why?
Why is teamwork important in achieving goals, and how did the twins demonstrate teamwork?
How do you think the story would change if it were set in the present day?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading each chapter, ask your child to predict what might happen next and discuss their ideas.
Encourage your child to draw or describe their own 'invention' after reading about the twins' spaceship project.
Discuss the importance of perseverance as shown by the twins, and share a personal story where persistence helped you overcome a challenge.
Relate the twins' teamwork to your child's experiences with friends or siblings, stressing on how collaboration and respecting each other’s ideas are essential.
After finishing the book, you can ask your child to summarize the story in their own words, which reinforces comprehension and retention.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: The characters in 'Astrotwins -- Project Blastoff' work together to build a rocket, demonstrating the importance of cooperation and diverse skill sets to achieve a common goal.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in group activities at school or in sports, learning to value each member's contribution towards a shared objective.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, the twins encounter various challenges that require creative and logical thinking to solve, which highlights the process of troubleshooting and persistence.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to approach obstacles in their lives as opportunities to think critically and develop solutions, whether in their academic tasks or personal projects.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The protagonists' quest to build a rocket is driven by their curiosity about space and engineering, showcasing the joy and value of learning new things.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to explore their own interests and pursue knowledge in subjects they are curious about, enhancing their educational journey and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The twins must take on responsibilities and make decisions that have real consequences, teaching them accountability.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be mirrored in a child’s life through taking care of a pet, managing school assignments, or being responsible for household chores, nurturing a sense of responsibility from a young age.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: As plans change and unexpected events occur, the characters learn to adapt and revise their plans, which emphasizes the importance of flexibility.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of being flexible and adaptable in daily life situations such as dealing with changes in school schedules or adapting to new family dynamics.