When Neil Armstrong Built a Wind Tunnel (Leaders Doing Headstands)
Leaders Doing Headstands Series
What’s inside...
Astronaut Neil Armstrong couldn't be held down by Earth's gravity. As the first person to step foot on the moon, Neil took the US space program to new heights. But before he did that, he had humble boyhood jobs-cutting lawns, cleaning ovens, washing airplanes-and plenty of adventures, including building a wind tunnel in his parents' basement! This playful story shows young readers that not even the sky is the limit for their own dreams.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-12
Length
31 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Neil Armstrong to build a wind tunnel at such a young age?
How do you think Neil Armstrong felt when his experiments succeeded or failed?
What qualities do you think are important for an inventor or explorer to have?
How can we apply Neil Armstrong’s determination and curiosity in our everyday challenges?
If you could meet Neil Armstrong, what one question would you ask him?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in Neil Armstrong’s shoes, considering his thoughts and feelings throughout his journey.
Discuss the importance of perseverance and how setbacks can lead to greater discoveries.
Link the story to current events or personal experiences to make the connection more relatable and impactful.
Ask your child to think of a time they tried something difficult and how they felt during the process.
Praise your child for thoughtful answers and encourage them to ask questions about the story as well.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The story showcases Neil Armstrong's early fascination with flight and his determination to build a wind tunnel at a young age, demonstrating his consistent effort to pursue his passion despite challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of sticking to their goals and persevering through difficulties, whether it's in their studies, hobbies, or relationships.
Example Lesson: Innovation
Explanation: Neil Armstrong's initiative to build a wind tunnel represents his inventive spirit and ability to think creatively, traits that eventually led him to become the first person to walk on the moon.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions to problems, fostering creativity and critical thinking.
Example Lesson: Curiosity
Explanation: Armstrong's curiosity about flight and aerodynamics from a young age highlights the role of inquisitiveness in learning and personal development.
Real-World Application: This lesson can motivate children to ask questions, seek out new knowledge, and explore the world around them to foster a lifelong love of learning.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, Armstrong faces and resolves various technical and practical challenges in building his wind tunnel, showcasing his problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Children can apply problem-solving skills in their daily tasks, improving their ability to handle school projects, resolve conflicts with peers, or manage their time effectively.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Neil Armstrong's journey to successfully building a wind tunnel despite initial failures exemplifies resilience and the ability to recover from setbacks.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of resilience in overcoming obstacles and continuing to strive towards their goals, which is crucial for personal and academic success.