How I chose my topic: I chose my topic because I am very interested in NASA and aerospace engineering, and I hope to be part of Mission Control when I get older. Since this was a topic that I was so interested in, I was motivated to uncover as much information as possible on this topic.
How I conducted my research: I began conducting my research mainly online using the NASA and Sally Ride Science websites. Later, I visited the NASA History Center at NASA Headquarters and gathered many primary sources there. Also, I conducted one phone interview and two email interviews. Then, to fill the few gaps in my research I read some library books on Sally Ride and the Space Program.
How I presented my research: I chose to present my research in a website format. This is because my topic is on science and technology, so using technology to display my project fit with the points that I was trying to make. Also, I had a lot of primary sources that could easily be displayed and read on a website. To create my project I used Weebly. I started out at first with the basic elements, and the more I used them the better I got. I was then able to venture out of my comfort zone and do a little experimenting and found some new elements and tricks that my website greatly benefited from such as adding an interview splash page. The more successes I had, the more motivated I was to continue.
How my topic relates to the theme: My topic relates to the NHD theme because Sally Ride’s space flight paved the way for others to come after her, which was a turning point in the involvement of women in science. Sally liberated one of the most male-dominated fields, and proved that a woman could do the same job as a man. Women all over the country were deeply inspired by her and followed in her footsteps. Therefore, she opened doors for women in science, which caused an increase in women in science related disciplines.
How I conducted my research: I began conducting my research mainly online using the NASA and Sally Ride Science websites. Later, I visited the NASA History Center at NASA Headquarters and gathered many primary sources there. Also, I conducted one phone interview and two email interviews. Then, to fill the few gaps in my research I read some library books on Sally Ride and the Space Program.
How I presented my research: I chose to present my research in a website format. This is because my topic is on science and technology, so using technology to display my project fit with the points that I was trying to make. Also, I had a lot of primary sources that could easily be displayed and read on a website. To create my project I used Weebly. I started out at first with the basic elements, and the more I used them the better I got. I was then able to venture out of my comfort zone and do a little experimenting and found some new elements and tricks that my website greatly benefited from such as adding an interview splash page. The more successes I had, the more motivated I was to continue.
How my topic relates to the theme: My topic relates to the NHD theme because Sally Ride’s space flight paved the way for others to come after her, which was a turning point in the involvement of women in science. Sally liberated one of the most male-dominated fields, and proved that a woman could do the same job as a man. Women all over the country were deeply inspired by her and followed in her footsteps. Therefore, she opened doors for women in science, which caused an increase in women in science related disciplines.
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