The Space Race

Summary
This is an introductory lesson about the Space Race between the USA and the Soviet Union.

Objectives
• to identify some major events of the Space Race;

• to describe and discuss the meaning of the Space Race;

• to identify some significant historical moments of the Space Race.

Suggested Grades
4th Grade
5th Grade
6th Grade

Excerpt
After World War II, the United States and the Soviet Union became enemies. This period was called the Cold War. They competed against each other as each one wanted to become the most powerful nation. They were enemies and competed in many fields like military, technology, and culture. This rivalry represented the fight between different ideologies, or philosophy of the two countries. The two opposing ideologies are capitalism and communism.

Rivalry in the field of space was particularly significant because the two nations were thinking of military applications, and how advancement in space could be used in the arms race and military operations. Also, being the winner in the space race would help improve the spirits of whichever country won and show that the ideology the country was upholding was superior to the other one.

Continued...