Texas and the Aerospace Industry


Texas Studies Modern Texas Texas and the Aerospace Industry
Students read some actual quotations from astronauts in space and try to explain why they all begin with “Houston.” Then they learn why the Johnson Space Center is located in Houston and they watch a video to learn about the JSC. Then they use a brochure published by the JSC to analyze how it contributes to Texas. Finally they examine everyday items that were originally invented for the space program.

This learning experience is designed for device-enabled classrooms. The teacher guides the lesson, and students use embedded resources, social media skills, and critical thinking skills to actively participate. To get access to a free version of the complete lesson, sign up for an exploros account.

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Here are the teacher pack items for Texas and the Aerospace Industry:

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Overview

In this experience, students read some actual quotations from astronauts in space and try to explain why they all begin with “Houston.” Then they learn why the Johnson Space Center is located in Houston and they watch a video to learn about the JSC. Then they use a brochure published by the JSC to analyze how it contributes to Texas. Finally they examine everyday items that were originally invented for the space program.

If you have access to leveled readers about space exploration, assign them to the students in parallel to this experience.

Estimated duration: 40-50 minutes

Vocabulary words:

  • mission
  • barge
  • industrial complex

Objectives

  • Identify the role of Texas in the history of space flight.
  • Analyze how the aerospace industry affects the state economy.


Engage


The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) was established in 1958 to lead the U.S. space program. In 1961, Houston was chosen as the location for the Manned Spacecraft Center, which is now called the Johnson Space Center (JSC). In this lesson, you will learn about the important role of Texas in the history of space flight.

Objectives

  • Identify the role of Texas in the history of space flight.
  • Analyze how the aerospace industry affects the state economy.


astronaut saluting American flag on the moon

Buzz Aldrin Salutes the U.S. Flag on the Moon


“Houston, we have liftoff! “
“Houston … I've got the world in my window.”
“Houston, Tranquility Base here. The Eagle has landed.”
“Uh, Houston, we’ve had a problem.”


Why Houston? Try to explain why these quotations are all addressed to “Houston.” If you don’t know, use your imagination.

Post your answer

The Johnson Space Center of NASA is located in Houston. Mission Control for communicating with astronauts on all manned space flights is in Houston. When the astronauts speak to Mission Control, they call it “Houston.”

If students are interested, you can identify the quotations for them:
  • “Houston, we have liftoff!” NASA Chief of Public Information Jack King, Apollo 11 mission, July 1969
  • “Houston … I've got the world in my window.” Astronaut Mike Collins, Apollo 11, July 1969
  • “Houston, Tranquility Base here. The Eagle has landed.” Astronaut Neil Armstrong, Apollo 11, July 1969
  • “Uh, Houston, we've had a problem.” Astronaut John Swigert Jr., Apollo 13, April 1970


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