Space Ace Video: Questions & Answers with Astronaut Dr. Peggy Whitson
Are you curious about the amazing wonders of space? We are!
We had a great time talking with retired NASA Astronaut Dr. Peggy Whitson. She was the first female commander of the International Space Station. She broke some other exciting records, too—you’ll hear about them when you watch her interview.
Watch the video with family and friends, then share what you learned by exploring these questions together:
1) After hearing Peggy’s description of going to space, would you like to travel to space someday? Why or why not?
2) What are some strengths or virtues that you see in Peggy?
3) On Earth, our life support system, as Peggy says, is “all taken care of.” She also said we need to take care of our planet. What are some things you do to help care for our planet?
4) Peggy said, “Don’t be afraid of failing. Learn from it. Make yourself better. And then push yourself again. And that’s when you will find out you can do so much more.” Describe a time when you tried something you really wanted to do and felt that you didn’t do it well. What did you do to improve? Or what could you do to improve now?
5) Peggy was nine when she decided she wanted to be an astronaut. What do you dream of doing in your life or career?
6) Peggy was inspired by watching astronauts walk on the moon. Who are some heroes that inspire you?
7) When you have a challenge, what makes you want to keep trying? How do you feel when you accomplish your goal?
8) Peggy says that studying science and “being a geek is actually pretty cool.” What’s something in science, technology, or math that you’re curious about?
9) What question would you like to ask an astronaut or space scientist? (If you send your question to brilliant@usbnc.org, we may use it in a future “Space Ace” video or magazine feature. We’d also love to know what you think of this video and the questions above.)
Want to read more from Peggy’s interview? Check out the full Q&A here.
Happy exploring!
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