The Challenger Explosion (Black Sheep: Disaster Stories)
#1 in Black sheep: disaster stories Series
What’s inside...
After successfully going into space nine times, the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded just 73 seconds into its tenth mission. Many people saw the blast happen on television! Find out what went wrong in this graphic novel for young readers.
Discussion points
Why do you think it's important to learn about significant events like the Challenger explosion?
How do you think the families of the astronauts felt during this time?
What can we learn from overcoming such disasters?
How do you think teamwork played a role in this event?
Can you think of ways we might prevent such disasters in the future?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by discussing the emotions of those involved in the disaster. Help them understand the event's historical and scientific context to deepen their comprehension. Foster critical thinking by involving them in imagining solutions or preventive measures for such incidents. Lastly, reinforce the value of learning from past events to build a better future.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of resilience
Explanation: The book highlights how the community and space program rebounded after the Challenger disaster, emphasizing perseverance through difficult times.
Real-World Application: Children learn that setbacks are part of life, and the key is to overcome them and continue moving forward.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and responsibility
Explanation: The story discusses the collaborative efforts needed in space missions and the responsibilities each team member holds, which were crucial aspects examined during the investigation of the disaster.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the value of working together towards a common goal and being responsible for their contributions.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: The book covers the investigation into the Challenger explosion, which was rooted in mechanical failure and miscommunication, showing how crucial it is to learn from errors.
Real-World Application: Kids can understand that mistakes are opportunities for learning and improvement, not just in science but in everyday activities.
Example Lesson: The pursuit of knowledge
Explanation: The narrative encourages curiosity and the continuous quest for knowledge, as exemplified by the astronauts and scientists involved in the mission.
Real-World Application: This lesson inspires children to explore, ask questions, and be enthusiastic about learning new things.