The Astronaut with a Song for the Stars Dr. Ellen Ochoa STEM Activity

Astronaut Spotlight: Dr. Ellen Ochoa
Can your students use a Robotic Arm like Dr. Ellen Ochoa? Celebrate Women in STEM by learning about Dr. Ellen Ochoa, the first Hispanic woman in space. Design and Build a Robotic Arm to be used in space.

This STEM Challenge is a fun and unique way to teach students that anyone can be a successful positive influence in STEM regardless of gender or race.

Literacy Integration:

Students begin the activity by learning about Dr. Ellen Ochoa using the included reading passage and questions. It's also a perfect Read Aloud companion activity to The Astronaut with a Song for the Stars by Julia Finley Mosca, which explores the life of Dr. Ellen Ochoa

The Engineering Design Process:

Students plan, design, and execute their own ideas. After they have completed their activity, there is time for reflection on what worked and what didn't. They follow the six step Engineering Design Process: Ask, Imagine, Plan, Create, Experiment, Improve.

Informative Writing Extension:

After students complete the STEM Challenge, students write about what they learned about Dr. Ellen Ochoa.

Aligns with NGSS and Common Core.

Amazing resource for STEM club, STEM teachers, elementary librarians, parents who love hands-on learning, and elementary teachers who want to create a hands-on educational environment in their classroom!

Material List:

• Scissors
• Tape
• Paper Clips
• Paper
• Straws
• Brads
• Hole Punch
• String or Fishing Line
• The Astronaut with a Song for the Stars by Julia Finley Mosca (Recommended)

Includes:

• Teacher Instructions (With Example Photos)
• Student Instructions
• STEM Journal
• Student STEM Activity
• Student Reflection Sheet
• Reading Passage and Questions
• Writing Activity

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