Analyzing a Photograph of Sally Ride

Using the activity questions, lead students through photograph analysis and a discussion about the details they observe in this photograph of Sally Ride. For grades K-2. Approximate time needed is 20 minutes.

As with any primary source analysis, ask students to go through the following progression, as outlined in the activity:

• Meet the document.
• Observe its parts.
• Try to make sense of it.
• Use it as historical evidence.

You may wish to draw students’ attention to the details on Sally Ride’s uniform, the various floating objects, and the space shuttle instruments.

When they have finished, students will be asked what they think Sally Ride’s job was, and what clues from the photo support their idea.