Primary source material and classroom activities reveal why exploring space was a priority for the Kennedy administration.
Resource Guides / Packets
Subject: Civics and US Government, Science, US History, World History
Grade: 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
In this lesson, students debate our nation's priorities by establishing their own "simulated" budgets.
Lesson Plans & Activities
Subject: Civics and US Government, Economics
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
Time: 3-4 hours
Annotated bibliographies of both recommended biographies and literature about American history. Includes guidelines for critically analyzing biographies and history-based literature.
Resource Guides / Packets
Subject: English Language Arts, Science, US History, World History
Grade: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
On December 25, 2021, the James Webb Space Telescope, the world’s most powerful space observatory, was launched. This massive telescope was named after the administrator of NASA from 1961 to 1968. The Kennedy Library’s website has extensive materials by and about Webb that can be useful for curricular materials and students’ online research.
Resource Guides / Packets
Subject: Science, US History
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
This section of the website contains topic guides on the significant events that occurred during President Kennedy's years in office. These essays are intended to give an overview of challenges and issues that defined Kennedy's administration, and include relevant primary source material.
Resource Guides / Packets
Subject: The Arts, Civics and US Government, Economics, Science, US History, World History
Grade: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
President Kennedy signed a bill authorizing the establishment of the Cape Cod National Seashore in 1961. By learning about the creation of the Seashore, students reflect on the importance of land conservation and the role of the federal government in preserving natural and historical resources.
Lesson Plans & Activities
Subject: Civics and US Government, English Language Arts, Geography, Science, US History
Grade: 3, 4, 5, 6
Time: 1-2 hours
Explore videos that focus on events during Kennedy's third year in office.
Media Galleries
Subject: The Arts, Civics and US Government, Economics, US History, World History
Grade: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Using primary source materials, students investigate the motivation for President Kennedy's ambitious space program.
Lesson Plans & Activities
Subject: Civics and US Government, Economics, English Language Arts, US History
Grade: 6, 7, 8, 9
Time: 1-2 hours