Mobilizing Minds: Teaching Science and Math in the Age of Sputnik

Grade Range: 5-12
Resource Type(s): Reference Materials
Date Posted: 4/14/2009

In this online exhibition, students will learn how fear of Soviet domination galvanized reform in science and math education during the 1950's and 60's. On October 4, 1957, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik, the first artificial satellite to orbit the earth. In order win the "Space Race", the United States urgently needed both a select group of mathematicians, scientists, and engineers; and a general population of mathematically and scientifically informed citizens.