The Race to Space
Understand how the Cold War ignited a race to conquer space.
Understand how the Cold War ignited a race to conquer space.
During the Cold War, the United States and the Soviet Union fought for power. Both nations wanted to be the first to put a person on the moon. In 1955, both countries declared they would send a satellite into orbit. For the next several decades, the race was on to show the world who would be the first to explore - and conquer - space.
What was the Space Race?
What new technology helped put both people and objects into space?
What were the most important effects of the Space Race?
Yuri Gagarin was a Soviet cosmonaut who became the first person in space. He orbited the Earth in about an hour and a half - forever cementing his place in history books.
Essential questions:
Who was Yuri Gagarin?
Why was his trip into space so significant?
In what ways was Gagarin a Changemaker?
Suggested Activity: Act It Out
The first living thing to orbit Earth was not a person; it was a dog! Her name was Laika. Unfortunately, Laika did not survive the trip. But she helped scientists understand the effects of space on animals . . . and people.
Essential questions:
Who was Laika the dog?
Why was she sent up into space?
Why is she a Changemaker?
Suggested Activity: Be The Teacher
Related Social Studies Topics
Timeline Challenge
Start a class timeline (or add to an existing timeline) showing important events related to the Race to Space.
Debate
Read this article to debate the statement: Sending animals into space is necessary to keep humans safe.
Create
(Not sure what to do? Write an obituary for Laika the dog!)
Image Attributions