The Process of Early Space Flight: The Gemini Program

This activity can be used during a unit on space exploration. For grades 3-6. Approximate time needed is 45 minutes.

Before opening the activity, conduct a class discussion on space in general. Ask the students to pretend to be a NASA engineer or scientist in the late 1950s and to remember that man has never been to space before. Ask students to consider the following questions:

• What type of vehicle was used to explore space in NASA’s early years?
• What space conditions were considered by NASA scientists and engineers when designing a space vehicle?

Then, discuss the actual steps of a space flight and create a list of all the possible steps for a flight. After the discussion, open the activity to reveal the seven documents in random sequence.

Explain that all documents were created during the Gemini program, NASA’s second manned space program, during the years 1961–1966. The Gemini mission consisted of a two-man crew, and specifically set out to learn new techniques to help future space exploration to the moon.

Open each photograph and have students guess what step of the space flight process is being documented. If students are struggling, click “Show Hints” for assistance. Finally, place the photos in the appropriate sequence.

When the students have sequenced all of the documents, compare their earlier list of possible steps for a space flight to the correct sequence and discuss:

• Were there any surprises?
• What did the students forget or overlook in their list?
• What did the students include that did not a as a step in the sequencing activity?

Discuss how space flight during the Gemini program differs from the more recent space shuttle program and how it’s the same.

If students need more information on the shuttle program visit NASA’s website.

Please note that these photographs come from different Gemini missions, but the sequencing activity will give the students of the process of the mission process.