Read About Mae Jemison’s Accomplishments

Use these cards for an interactive read-aloud while your students learn about a pioneer of the space program! 

In 1992, Dr. Mae Jemison broke barriers when she became the first African American female astronaut, spending a week in orbit on the Endeavor space flight.

Make Reading Time out of This World! 

Among the many benefits of reading aloud, students will develop their language, expand their vocabulary, and strengthen their listening skills. 

At the beginning of the week, display the cards in a pocket chart and model engaging reading strategies:

1. Monitor your pace.
2. Demonstrate text-specific facial and vocal expressions.
3. Ask questions.
4. Make connections.

Continue read-alouds with your students during the week, using the picture cards as a visual reference. At the end of the week, have the students read them independently.

In addition to your Black History Month curriculum, this activity can be used for lessons during Women’s History Month and even discussions about Earth and space! 

Alternative Uses for These Cards That Build a Love of Reading

We created this resource for circle time and reading lessons. In addition, we suggest these alternative uses to reinforce reading skills and new vocabulary words with your small group and full-class lessons: 

• Print on cardstock for a reading center activity where students match the text to the images.
• Print a copy for each student, glue it into their reading journal, and have them read to an adult at home.
• Download the black-and-white version and distribute it as a cut and color-matching activity. 

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the color and black and white PDF versions. Print on cardstock for added durability and longevity. 

And while you’re here, check out these activities and lesson-planning tools! 

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Who's Who - Dr. Mae Jemison

Learn about Dr. Mae Jemison with this cut-and-paste activity for younger students.

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Build a Fact File Template

Get a sense of separating fact from opinion in texts with this graphic organizer.

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Black History Word Wall Cards

Use this set of 42 Black History Month vocabulary words to expand your students’ language skills and knowledge of history.