Christa Education Resources

Christa in the Classroom

Christa McAuliffe, the Concord, NH teacher, and astronaut who lost her life in the 1986 Space Shuttle Challenger disaster has become a symbol of dedication to teaching and learning.

• Have students create a timeline of Christa McAuliffe’s life and career, highlighting key events such as her selection for the Space Shuttle mission, her training, and the aftermath of the disaster.
• Have students write a brief reflection on what characteristics and circumstances made Christa McAuliffe a hero and inspiration to many and why her legacy has lasted so long. 
• Have students research other figures in space exploration who have inspired students and future astronauts. This might be Sally Ride, John Glenn, or actor Nichelle Nichols, whose portrayal of Uhura in Star Trek inspired a young Mae Jemison to become an astronaut.
•  Have students create a tribute to teachers and educators, focusing on the legacy of Christa McAuliffe. They could write poems, design posters, or produce short videos.

• Christa is known for saying, “I touch the future, I teach.” Have students discuss what this quote means to them. Are there other professions or individuals that touch the future? 

CHRISTA MCAULIFFE AND THE TEACHER IN SPACE PROGRAM

• Have students research the history of the Teacher in Space Program. Why did it start? Why did it end? 
  
• Have students investigate some of the issues surrounding space travel, both in the past and the present. Are there ethical considerations in sending civilians into space? How has space travel changed since the Space Shuttle era? What are some of the challenges facing space travel today?
• What were the criteria for teachers applying for the program? Are there any additional criteria they would add to the list? If so, why?
• Have students had any teachers they believe would be a good teacher in space? What do they think that teacher would bring to students if they had been part of the program?

STATUES AS SYMBOLS

• Show students images of famous statues and ask them why they think these figures were chosen to be honored in statue form. What do the statues symbolize? What do the statues say about both the subject of the statue and what we think is important to honor in a person? 
• Have students write a short paragraph on a person they think is a hero and why they think a statue would be an appropriate way to honor them.
• Have students pick a particular statue and identify who or what the statue honors; why the statue was erected; when the statue was erected and if that influenced the decision to erect the statue; who the artist was; and what materials were used to create the statue.
• Have students design a statue to honor their own hero. 
• Ask students to imagine a future 100 years from now. What figures or events from today might be commemorated with statues?
• Below is a list of some of the statues you can find at the New Hampshire Statehouse and the year they were erected. Have students research some of the details of how and why the statues were commissioned and erected. 
  • Daniel Webster, 1886
  • Franklin Pierce, 1914
  • General John Stark, 1890
  • Commodore George Hamilton Perkins, 1902
  • John Gilbert Winant, 2017
  • John Parker Hale, 1892
• Have students research the memorials and statues in their city or town. Who is honored with a statue, when was the statue erected, who was the artist, who led the drive to create the statue or memorial, what did the individual do that led to them being honored with a statue or memorial? Is there anyone that is not honored with a statue or memorial that should be?

Discussion

• Discuss what makes someone a hero and what qualities we associate with heroes.
• Discuss how what society honors and values with statues may change over time. Have them research examples of statues that have sparked controversy and what choices were made by the community about those statues.

THE CHALLENGER DISASTER AND ITS IMPACT

Activities

• Have students research who the rest of the Challenger crew were. What was their path to becoming astronauts? Are there memorials to these members of the crew? 
• Have students write a report on the events surrounding the Challenger disaster, its investigation, and the changes that were made to NASA’s policies and procedures afterward.
• Have students research how the loss of Christa McAuliffe and the other crew members affected the space program.
• Have students read or listen to Ronald Reagan’s speech following the Challenger disaster. What were some key points in his address? Why do they think it was important for him to give this speech?  

• You will find the full documentary and more here.
  
• Information about the Space Shuttle program can be found here.
• Activity and Discussion Guide - PDF

• Grades 4-12 - NASA - Challenger STS 51-L Accident January 28, 1986 - READ and VIEW
• Grades 4-12 - ReadWriteThink - The Challenger Explosion Activities - DO
• Grades K-8 - The Challenger Center - Christa's Lost Lessons - READ, VIEW, DO
• Grades 6-12 - NHPBS Video - NH Outlook - Christa's Living Legacy (26:25) - VIEW
• Grade 6-12 - Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History - The Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster Lesson Plan - READ and DO
• Grades 6-12 - NHPBS Video - Christa McAuliffe's Teacher in Space Interview (5:18) - VIEW
• Grades 6-12 - NHPBS Video - NH in Space (26:45) - VIEW
• Grades 7-12 - NHPBS Video - Channel 3 Moscow - Space Shuttle Challenger (6:12) - VIEW
• Grades 7-12 - PBS LearningMedia - Barbara Morgan: No Limits (48:52) - VIEW and DO
• Grades 7-12 - NHPBS Video - Retro Report - Lessons From the Space Shuttle Challenger Tragedy (18:31) - VIEW
• Grades 7-12 - PBS LearningMedia - PBS NewsHour - Remembering Challenger, Disaster That Shook Up Space Flight (6:25) - VIEW 

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