The Race to Space: From Sputnik to the Moon Landing and Beyond...
What’s inside...
This book commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Moon Landing by exploring the Space Race rivalry between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. It illustrates the competitive journey of the two superpowers from Russia's launch of Sputnik to Neil Armstrong's historic moon landing. The book features nostalgic illustrations and engaging text detailing key events and milestones, and highlights how the two space agencies now collaborate, as well as the lasting technological impact of the space race.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-11
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think motivated humans to explore space and how do you feel about space exploration?
If you could meet any of the astronauts mentioned in the book, who would you choose and what would you ask them?
How did the race to space change the world, and what changes can you imagine might happen in the future because of space exploration?
What challenges do astronauts face in space, and how do you think they overcome them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about space exploration by showing genuine interest in their responses. Use the book's illustrations and timelines to visually guide your conversation, making it more interactive and memorable. Help them draw parallels between the historical events in the book and current advancements in space technology. To deepen their understanding, connect the discussion to topics they learn in school, like gravity, orbits, and the solar system.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance in the face of challenges
Explanation: The book showcases the journey of various space missions, emphasizing how scientists and astronauts overcame numerous setbacks and failures.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by staying persistent with their goals, whether it's mastering a new skill or completing a difficult school project.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: The space race was a monumental task that required the cooperation of countless individuals, from engineers to astronauts, who worked together to achieve a common goal.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn the importance of working with others in group settings such as in sports, group projects at school, or family activities.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge
Explanation: The book illuminates the boundless human curiosity that propelled the exploration of space, highlighting the relentless quest for new knowledge.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore their natural curiosities and seek answers to their questions through study and exploration in their everyday lives.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Throughout the book, various challenges in space expeditions are portrayed, demonstrating the innovative and critical thinking necessary to solve complex problems.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to approach problems strategically in their daily encounters, be it in academic settings or personal scenarios.
Example Lesson: Inspiration and aspiration
Explanation: The achievements of the space missions serve as a testament to what humanity can aspire to and achieve, inspiring readers to dream big.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to set ambitious goals and strive to achieve them, regardless of the field they are passionate about.