March Birthday :: Yuri Gagarin ~ Russian Cosmonaut

Photo Credit

Yuri Alekseyevich Gagarin was a Soviet pilot and cosmonaut, he was born March 9, 1934.  He was the first human to journey into outer space when Vostok completed an orbit of the Earth on April 12, 1961.  

We are always interested in Russian history in our house and we enjoy sharing interesting facts and tidbits with the boys.  Little things like this help to instill pride and interest in their birth country.  

However, you don't have to have been born in Russia to enjoy learning about Yuri Gagarin.  I also love sharing stories with my children about inspiring people.  People who have achieved dreams and followed their passions.  

The USSR American Space Race was an exciting time in our history.

There are many ways to bring the "space race" to life in your home.  Something that we have yet to do is visit a Planetarium.  Google "planetarium + your state" and see what is in your area.  

If you're looking to plan a big trip, try Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.  Google space museum and your state, you might be surprised at what you find.

I created a couple of pages of copywork with Yuri Gagarin quotes for your younger student, download both pages here:

Here are a few, more budget friendly resources, for your space adventures...

Additional Resources:

Space Coloring Pages

Lapbook/Notebook Ideas

Space Activity Pack

Outer Space Copywork

Outer Space Resources on Homeschool Share

Soda Bottle Shuttle Craft

Resources from NASA

Books:

If You Decide to go to the Moon

The Moon Book

The Planets in our Solar System

DK Reader 2: Living in Space

Epic Rivalry: The Inside Story of the Soviet and American Space Race

Space Race: The Epic Battle Between America and the Soviet Union for Dominion of Space

Documentaries:

Space: The Secret History {this documentary claims that Gagarin was not the first Russian in space!}

History of the Space Shuttle

Secrets of Soviet Space Disasters {not family viewing in my opinion - but my husband and I found it interesting}

Don't forget about Tang and you can even buy space ice cream!

A few more odds and ends are on my Space Pinterest board, have fun bringing the galaxy into your family room!

Did you "find" my new Pinterest button?  Go ahead and pin away :)

This post is a collaboration with iHomeschool Network, be sure to visit the other blogs in the series.