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Space Science is first taught in U.S. schools
Toward the end of the 1800s Astronomy was first taught as part of school curriculum. It was considered as a way to promote thinking skills and grouped with classes like Greek and Latin. It was not considered a requirment of Science education -
Science Defined
In 1893 the Committee of Ten was set up by the National Education Association in order to develop a uniform high school curriculum to prepare students for college. This committee defined main topics of science education as biology, chemistry, and physics. Astronomy was seen as an elective. -
Sputnik
In 1957 Sputnik 1 was launched by the Soviet Union. It was the first artificial satellite sent into space. This was the start of the space age. This gave the Soviet Union the distinction of being the first county to send a man made object into space. This caused fear in the United States due to fears that the Soviet Union was more technologically advanced. -
National Defence Education Act
This was a reaction to the Sputnik launch the year before. It called for an increase in science and mathematics education in the school system. The United States needed to compete in the race for space. -
Apollo Landing
In 1969 Apollo 11 landed on the moon as was one of the biggest television events of the 20th century. This even inspired more interest in science and jobs related to science and space. Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong became national heroes and students today still learn Armstrong’s quote “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” -
Challenger Mission
In 1986 the Challenger launch was another major television event that was broadcast in classrooms. This launch was to send the first teacher into space. However, the shuttle exploded soon after the launch. NASA did not attempt to put another teacher in space. This event again brought space science into the classroom and minds of students. Barbara Morgan was the back up teacher for the mission. She became an astronaut and flew a mission in 2007. -
Hubble Telescope
The Hubble telescope increased knowledge of events and places in space. The photographs from the telescope helped to give clearer pictures in the media and in textbooks. It changed the way that science and public looked at the universe. It helped scientists to understand the origins of our galaxy by being able to see others increasing evidence for the Big Bang theory. -
Current Status
Currently space science is not its own field of study in early education. It is mixed in with general science, Earth science, or physical science as part of middle and high school curriculum. It is an elective for further study in college curriculum.