Star Voyager Slides NASA Mission Profile
STAR VOYAGER
The Journey of Dr. Mae Jemison
STS-47 Endeavour
Dreaming Big in Chicago
As a young girl, Mae spent hours in the library reading about science and space.
She used to look up at the stars and say, "I'm going to go there someday." Even though there were no women astronauts yet, she never let that stop her imagination.
"Don't let anyone rob you of your imagination."
The Woman of Many Talents
Doctor
She became a medical doctor and served in the Peace Corps in Africa.
Dancer
Mae loved modern dance and even thought about being a professional dancer!
Engineer
She studied chemical engineering at Stanford University.
1992: Mission Endeavour
History in the Making
On September 12, 1992, Mae Jemison blasted off into space. She became the first Black woman to travel into orbit.
During her 8-day mission, she conducted experiments on weightlessness and motion sickness.
What did she bring?
Mae brought several special items with her, including a poster from a famous dance theater and an African flag, showing that science and culture belong together.
Mae's Message
"The best way to make dreams come true is to wake up."
100 Year Starship
Mae now leads a project to make human travel to other stars possible by the next century.
Inspiration
She teaches us that we can be scientists, artists, and explorers all at once!
Moonshot Discussion Cards Moonshot Discussion Cards
Topic: Dr. Mae Jemison's Journey
NASA-ED-03
Mission Control Resource
Question 01
Mae Jemison was a dancer, a doctor, and an astronaut. Why do you think she liked doing so many different things?
Think about: How do your different hobbies make you who you are?
Question 02
Mae brought an art poster and a flag into space. Why do you think she brought art to a science mission?
Think about: Can science and art work together? How?
Question 03
Mae said, "Don't let anyone rob you of your imagination." What do you think she meant by that?
Think about: Has anyone ever told you a dream was "too big"?
Question 04
Being the first person to do something can be scary. How do you think Mae felt when she stepped onto the space shuttle?
Think about: Have you ever been the "first" to try something new?
Question 05
When Mae was little, there were no women astronauts. Why is it important that she became the first Black woman in space?
Think about: How does seeing someone like you do something big help you?
Question 06
Mae is now working on the "100 Year Starship" to travel to other stars. What is a big dream YOU have for the future?
Think about: What could you start doing today to get closer to that dream?
Teacher Tip: Cut these cards out and laminate them. Use them for "Think-Pair-Share" or as group rotating prompts.
Blast Off Journal Astronaut Name
Mission Date
BLAST OFF JOURNAL
MISSION: REFLECTION
1. View from the Window
Mae Jemison looked out of the space shuttle Endeavour and saw the Earth below. What do you think she saw? Draw it in the shuttle window below.
2. Mission Reflection
What is one thing about Mae Jemison's life that surprised you?
If you could ask Dr. Jemison one question about space, what would it be?
What "fuel" do you need to reach your big dreams? (Skills, courage, practice?)
"The best way to make dreams come true is to wake up." — Dr. Mae Jemison
Mission Control Guide TEACHER RESOURCE
MISSION CONTROL GUIDE
Lesson: The Journey of Dr. Mae Jemison
Level: 3rd Grade
Mission Objective
Students will understand the historical significance of Dr. Mae Jemison, identify the traits that helped her succeed (perseverance, curiosity), and reflect on their own future aspirations.
Lesson Flow
1
Ignition (5-10 mins)
Show Slide 1 & 2. Ask: "What does it mean to have a dream that seems 'out of this world'?"
2
The Mission (15 mins)
Present Slides 3-5. Highlight that Mae was a dancer and doctor. This breaks the stereotype that you can only be "one thing."
3
Orbit: Discussion (15-20 mins)
Use the Moonshot Discussion Cards . Suggestion: Small group "Socratic Circles" where each group gets one card to master and share back.
4
Landing (10 mins)
Students complete the Blast Off Journal as an exit ticket/reflection.
Key Vocabulary
Orbit
The curved path of an object around a star, planet, or moon.
Endeavour
An attempt to achieve a goal; also the name of Mae's space shuttle.
Chemical Engineer
A person who uses chemistry to design and solve problems.
Legacy
Something handed down from the past (like an inspiration or an idea).
Mission Debrief: Discussion Tips
Validate all dreams: Some kids might want to be YouTubers or athletes. Connect this to Mae's "dancer" side.
Focus on "Interdisciplinary": Explain that science needs artists and doctors, too!
Historical Context: Remind students that in 1992, technology was different. No iPhones in space yet!
Quick Facts for Teacher
Born: Decatur, Alabama (1956)
Mission: STS-47 (Sept 12-20, 1992)
Time in Space: 190 hours, 30 mins
Fun Fact: She was on an episode of Star Trek!
