Read and Rise Book Club 'Mission to Space' - November 2020 Week 2

18 years ago, on November 23, 2002, John Herrington blasted into space aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavor. As a member of the Chickasaw Nation, Herrington made history as the first Native American in space. Today, I am sharing his story and exploring Native American stories surrounding the stars and constellations. 

Featured story: "Mission to Space" by John Herrington

Activity: Illuminative is a non-profit trying to change the narrative about Native peoples and they have numerous lessons for children available for free to download. I love the following lesson about constellations:

How constellations got their names - I recommend looking at pictures of some well known constellations and then listening to "Why Coyote Howls: A Star Story" as retold by Lynn Moroney (Chickasaw) while your children make their own constellations using marshmallows or playdough and toothpicks or spaghetti (link for the story is found in the lesson plan). Then head outside on a dark clear evening and check out the stars! My kids LOVE the SkyView Lite app (available for iOS and android) for identifying constellations, stars, planets, and satellites. 

Here are some extra constellation activities (I plan on doing star darts with Lil C and Squidgy!):  https://www.lpi.usra.edu/education/skytellers/constellations/activities/