The space race has an interesting place in about fifty years of history (1957-2007). From the time of Sputnik to the Phoenix landing on the north pole of Mars, much changed in our world.
Here is a summary of the US exploration. Here is a YouTube video created for a history class looks at the contributions of the Soviet Union:
The challenging of sharing songs about the space race has been set by some senior living communities which I visit. Here are a few songs I am considering sharing which the residents and I have identified:
- Blue Moon
- Fly Me to the Moon
- Up, Up, and Away
- Dream Weaver
- Moon River
- Beyond the Sea
- I’d Like to Visit the Moon
- Venus (Frankie Avalon)
- Venus (Shocking Blue)
- Allegheny Moon
- Purple People Eater
- It’s Only a Paper Moon
- Blue Moon of Kentucky
- The Stars Fell in Alabama
- The Stars and Stripes Forever
For discussion topics I am considering:
- Historical events from space travel many of which can be found here and here.
- Inventions related to the space race. This How Stuff Works post lists 10 items.
- Did you every wish to travel in space/ Why/why not?
- What were your favorite television series that included space travel? (They might include: “My Favorite Martian”, “Lost in Space”, “Star Trek”, “The Jetson’s”, “I Dream of Jeanie” and “Space Ghost”. )
- What were your favorite movies about space travel? (IMDb has a listing of space and alien movies.)
- Name the planets in our solar system.
- Did you ever gaze at the stars at night? Discuss constellations. Here is one source you get you started.
Looking for some background or mood setting music? A few ideas include:
- Space Capades: Ultra Lounge
- Claire de Lune – Debussy
- Thus Spake Zarathustra – Richard Strauss
- The Planets – Holst
What would you include in a discussion of the space race with older adults?
How about where were you when……
Great question to ask. Thanks, Carla.