Lesson Plan

A Biography of Mae Jemison

Mae Jemison was the first African American female astronaut to enter space! Use this lesson plan to help your students get to know this prominent scientist, and determine what makes her an influencial person.
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Mae Jemison was the first African American female astronaut to enter space! Use this lesson plan to help your students get to know this prominent scientist, and determine what makes her an influencial person.

Learning Objectives

Students will be able to read a biography about Mae Jemison and discuss her influence in the United States.

Introduction

(5 minutes)
The Star, Mae JemisonIntroducing Mae Jemison, the Star
  • Ask your students: "Why do we remember people even after years have gone by?" Conduct a discussion where you jot some of their ideas down on the board.
  • Show photos of Mae Jemison in space using the photo link in the materials section.
  • Ask students who they think is in the picture and what they know about Mae. Jot some of their ideas on the board.
  • Explain that Mae Jemison is an influential person. An influential person is a person whose actions and opinions strongly influence the course of events or other people's ideas.
  • Ask students to name some influential people in their lives. They do not have to be famous people to be influential!
  • Tell students they will learn more about the first African American female astronaut to enter into space and how she is an influential person by reading a biography and answering questions about it.