John Glenn: An American Hero’s Biography
The fearless astronaut who orbited the Earth and inspired a generation.
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John Glenn: An American Hero’s Biography in 10 Minutes
Introduction
Neil Armstrong
Scott Carpenter
Alan Shepard
Gus Grissom
1. A Young Boys Dream
2. Becoming a Fighter Pilot
3. The Mercury Seven
4. Friendship 7
5. Return to Space
6. Space Pioneer
7. Lifelong Advocate
8. Legacy of Inspiration
9. Honors and Awards
10. Remembering a Legend
Lesson Details & Resources
In a Nutshell
American astronaut and politician
Lived: 1921 – 2016
First American to orbit the Earth in 1962
Significant legacy as a space pioneer and U.S. Senator
Timeline of John Glenn: An American Hero’s Biography
John Glenn becomes a pilot in the U.S. Marine Corps
John Glenn joins NASA's Mercury Seven program
John Glenn becomes the first American to orbit the Earth aboard Friendship 7
John Glenn resigns from NASA
John Glenn retires from the Marine Corps as a colonel
John Glenn is elected to the U.S. Senate from Ohio
John Glenn announces his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for President
John Glenn drops out of the presidential race
John Glenn returns to space aboard Space Shuttle Discovery mission STS-95
John Glenn becomes the oldest person to travel in space at age 77
John Glenn retires from the U.S. Senate
John Glenn receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom
John Glenn passes away at the age of 95
Vocabulary List
- Astronaut
- John Glenn was an astronaut who became the first American to orbit the Earth.
- Space Shuttle
- John Glenn flew on the space shuttle Discovery in 1998 at the age of 77.
- NASA
- John Glenn worked for NASA as a test pilot and astronaut.
- Mercury Seven
- John Glenn was one of the original Mercury Seven astronauts selected by NASA.
- Space Exploration
- John Glenn's space missions contributed to the ongoing exploration of outer space.
- Zero Gravity
- John Glenn experienced zero gravity during his spaceflights.
- International Space Station
- John Glenn visited the International Space Station during his time as an astronaut.
- Gravity
- John Glenn learned how to navigate and work in the absence of gravity during his space missions.
- Rocket
- John Glenn rode a rocket into space during his historic spaceflights.
- Orbit
- John Glenn orbited the Earth multiple times during his space missions.
Key Facts
This is the information used in the fact matching game
- John Glenn was the first American to orbit the Earth.
- He made history on February 20, 1962, when he piloted the Mercury-Atlas 6 Friendship 7 spacecraft.
- John Glenn was a United States Marine Corps aviator, engineer, astronaut, and U.S. Senator.
- He served as a pilot in World War II and the Korean War.
- John Glenn was born on July 18, 1921 in Cambridge, Ohio.
- He was a member of NASA's Mercury Seven group of astronauts.
- John Glenn became the oldest person to fly in space when he flew on the Space Shuttle Discovery mission STS-95 in 1998.
- He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012.
- John Glenn retired from the Marine Corps as a Colonel.
- He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross six times.
- John Glenn was the last surviving member of the Mercury Seven.
- He served as a U.S. Senator from Ohio from 1974 to 1999.
- John Glenn was married to his wife Annie for 73 years until his death in 2016.
- He was inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in 1990.
- John Glenn's historic flight on Friendship 7 lasted just under five hours.
- He was the first person to eat in space, consuming applesauce squeezed from a tube.
- John Glenn received the NASA Distinguished Service Medal twice.
- He became the oldest person to serve in the U.S. Senate when he was re-elected in 1980 at the age of 77.
- John Glenn was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2011.
- He was a strong advocate for space exploration and scientific research throughout his life.
Analysis & Significance
Major Accomplishments
John Glenn was the first American to orbit the Earth in 1962, solidifying his place in history as a pioneering astronaut. He later became a U.S. Senator, serving for 24 years, and returned to space at the age of 77, making him the oldest person to travel in space.
Impact on the World
John Glenn’s contributions to space exploration inspired generations of Americans to pursue careers in science and technology. His dedication to public service as a Senator also left a lasting impact on U.S. politics, advocating for education and research funding.
Enduring Legacy
John Glenn is remembered as a hero and trailblazer for his achievements in space exploration and politics. His legacy continues to inspire future astronauts and public servants, and his name is synonymous with courage, determination, and a pioneering spirit that embodies the American dream.
John Glenn: An American Hero’s Biography Games
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