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Mae Carol Jamison was born October 17, 1956 and is an American engineer, physician, and former NASA astronaut. She became the first black woman to travel into space when she served as a mission specialist aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour. Jemison joined NASA’s astronaut corps in 1987 and was selected to serve for the STS-47 mission, during which she orbited the Earth for nearly eight days on September 12–20, 1992.
Born in Alabama and raised in Chicago, Jemison graduated from Stanford University with degrees in chemical engineering as well as African and African-American studies. She then earned her medical degree from Cornell University. Jemison was a doctor for the Peace Corps in Liberia and Sierra Leone from 1983 until 1985 and worked as a general practitioner. In pursuit of becoming an astronaut, she applied to NASA.
Jemison left NASA in 1993 and founded a technology research company. She later formed a non-profit educational foundation and through the foundation is the principal of the 100 Year Starship project funded by DARPA. Jemison also wrote several books for children and appeared on television several times, including in a 1993 episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation. She holds several honorary doctorates and has been inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame and the International Space Hall of Fame.
Resources
Astronaut Mae Jamison by Allison Lassieur
While watching Star Trek on television as a child, Mae Jemison was certain she would one day visit space. As an adult, she made this dream a reality when she became the first black female NASA astronaut.
Women in Science and Technology: Mae C. Jamison by Meeg Pincus
Book Features:
• 24 pages, 10 inches x 7 inches
• Ages 6-9, Grades 1-3 leveled readers
• Simple, easy-to-read pages with illustrations
• Features vocabulary and comprehension and extension activities
• Includes reading tips, a timeline, and a glossary
The Magic Of Reading: Explore the magic of reading and space exploration with Women in Science and Technology: Mae C. Jemison. The 24-page biography features vibrant illustrations and a look into the first female African American astronaut.
Hands-On Reading Adventure: Blast off into a reading adventure as you learn about the inspiring life of Mae Jemison―the first female African American astronaut. Follow along from her time as a child with big dreams to her exploration in space.
Features: More than just an action-packed story, this children’s book also includes a vocabulary list, reading tips for mid-story interaction and engagement, and extension and comprehension activities. A glossary and timeline are also included.
Leveled Books: Vibrant illustrations and leveled text work together to engage readers and promote reading comprehension skills. This leveled book engages 1st―3rd graders through new vocabulary and high-interest topics like space exploration.
Why Rourke Educational Media: Since 1980, Rourke Publishing Company has specialized in publishing engaging and diverse non-fiction and fiction books for children in a wide range of subjects that support reading success on a level that has no limits.