Lesson Plan: The First American in Space, Alan Shepard Completes a Suborbital Flight

Lesson Details

Subject: History

Grade Level: 6-8

Duration: 60 minutes

Learning Outcomes

• Know the significance of Alan Shepard's suborbital flight
• Understand the challenges and risks of space exploration
• Can analyze primary sources to draw conclusions about historical events

Methodology

The lesson will begin with a brief introduction to the Space Race and the significance of Alan Shepard's suborbital flight. Students will then analyze primary sources, including photographs and news articles, to gain a deeper understanding of the event. Next, students will work in small groups to discuss the challenges and risks of space exploration and how they relate to Shepard's flight. Finally, students will complete a short writing assignment in which they analyze the significance of Shepard's flight and its impact on the Space Race.

Resources/Materials

• Primary source documents (photographs, news articles)
• Writing materials

Activities

1. Introduction to the Space Race and Alan Shepard's suborbital flight (10 minutes)
2. Primary source analysis (20 minutes)
3. Small group discussion (15 minutes)
4. Writing assignment (15 minutes)

Assessment

Students will be assessed on their participation in the small group discussion and their completion of the writing assignment.

Compliance

This lesson plan is compliant with the Common Core State Standards for History/Social Studies.