Learn about the accomplishments of the Columbia crew

Overview: Hundreds of people gathered on Tuesday at the Johnson Space Center as NASA honored the seven astronauts who died aboard the space shuttle Columbia.

After students read "Families, friends remember Columbia crew" and watch the first segment of CNN Student News (the video can be accessed from CNNStudentNews.com) pose the following questions:

RESOURCES • CNN.com: NASA remembers 'Columbia seven'  • CNN.com: Lost: Space Shuttle Columbia   • Memorial: "Final Re-Entry"

1. What event took place at the Johnson Space Center on Tuesday? In the video we hear that "NASA is very much a family." What does this mean? What encouraging remarks did President George W. Bush deliver at the ceremony? How will NASA honor the legacy of the fallen crew?

2. Ask students: What is a memorial? Why are memorials important? After the discussion, have groups of students conduct research to learn more about the lives and accomplishments of the Columbia crew. Share group findings. Then, challenge each group to use what it has learned to create or design a memorial commemorating the lives of the Columbia astronauts. Have each group present its work.