Flying High With Ellen Ochoa!

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

Who Is Ellen Ochoa? 

Ellen was born in California and loved learning, especially math and science. She was curious about how the world worked and dreamed big.

She studied hard in school and became an engineer, which means she solved problems and created new ideas.

Her curiosity and hard work helped her become an astronaut—someone who travels into space!

In 1993, she blasted off on the Space Shuttle Discovery and looked down at the earth from far above.

She didn’t just ride along, though. She worked as a scientist in space, studying how the sun and the earth are connected.

More Than an Astronaut

Ellen Ochoa wasn’t just a space traveler. She also made history by becoming the first Hispanic director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.

That means she was the leader for other astronauts, helping them train and prepare for missions.

Her work showed that anyone—no matter their background—can reach for the stars if they dream big and keep learning.

Why Her Story Shines

Ellen’s journey is important because she proved that space isn’t only for a certain type of person—it’s for everyone.

She broke barriers, opened doors for others, and showed children everywhere that curiosity and persistence can take you far, maybe even to the stars!

Imagine This…

Think about what you might see if you were in space like Ellen.

• Would you look at the earth’s blue oceans?

• Would you float inside the rocket?

• Would you stare out at the stars?

Learning about Ellen Ochoa’s life shows that science, bravery, and determination can help people do amazing things.

Ready for Your Mission?

Now that you know about Ellen Ochoa—an astronaut, leader, and trailblazer—it’s time for you to practice what you’ve learned and start your own “mini mission.”

In the Got It?  section, you’ll test your knowledge and complete fun activities that bring her story to life.