NOTE: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this See, Think, Wonder activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What would you want to learn more about?
SUMMARY
For NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, the long wait to return to Earth is almost over. They went to the International Space Station last June in a Boeing Starliner spacecraft. They were supposed to return a week later, but because of problems with the Starliner, they’ve stayed at the station for over 250 days. Amna Nawaz discussed more with Williams, Wilmore and crewmate Nick Hague.
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News alternative: Check out recent segments from the News Hour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.
WARM-UP QUESTIONS
- Who are Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore?
- Why were Williams and Wilmore unable to return to Earth?
- How long is the stockpile of food and supplies at the International Space Station intended to last?
- What kind of research is the ISS crew working on??
- Why does the crew have to spend 2 and a half hours a day exercising?
FOCUS QUESTIONS
Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore were supposed to be at the ISS for just a week and have now been there for over 250 days. Their work is important and as their situation proves, unpredictable at times. Do you think you would enjoy being an astronaut on the ISS? Explain why or why not.
Media literacy: What else would you like to learn about the life of astronauts in space? What's one question you would ask Williams or Wilmore?
WHAT STUDENTS CAN DO
Watch the video below to learn about Frank Rubio, who set the U.S. record for longest single space mission.
Learn more about life at the International Space Station by completing this daily news lesson featuring astronaut Cady Coleman.
Written by Gianfranco Beran, PBS News Hour Classroom's production assistant, and Classroom's director, Victoria Pasquantonio.
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