About This Lesson
Introduce students to Mae Jemison, the first Black woman to travel into space and a lifelong champion of science, education, and innovation. In this two-tiered lesson (for grades 4–6 and 7–12), students will explore Jemison’s remarkable journey from childhood curiosity to becoming a medical doctor (including working with the Peace Corps), engineer, NASA astronaut, tech entrepreneur and advocate for equity in STEM.
Fun Fact: While traveling on Space Shuttle Endeavour, she brought along an Alvin Ailey dance theater poster, a West African statue and a photo of Bessie Coleman.
Through video, interactive activities, and discussion, students will examine the challenges she overcame, the legacy she continues to build, and the importance of representation in science and space exploration. Perfect for science, social
studies, and women's history classrooms aiming to inspire bold thinking and big dreams.
