Directed/Produced By Renee Sotile & Mary Jo Godges
Narrated by Academy Award winner Susan Sarandon
“Christa’s Song” & original music by Grammy winner Carly Simon
“A compelling and honest account of Challenger 51L’s “Teacher in Space” mission. An inspiring tribute to a true American Hero.” Buzz Aldrin
“A riveting and unusually moving story, told from the inside.” Ken Burns
“An outstanding tribute to an extraordinary woman, this is highly recommended. Editor’s Choice.” Video Librarian
“Moving documentary and tribute…serves to motivate and inspire.” Booklist
“Celebrates the extraordinary life of the first teacher in space and her legacy. Recommended for all collections.” Library Journal
CNN PRESENTS WITH PAULA ZAHN | BROADCAST OVER 20 TIMES!
In 1986, space shuttle Challenger exploded, traumatizing the nation and taking the lives of the seven-member NASA crew. Among them was Christa McAuliffe, the first Teacher in Space. Reach for the Stars is her story.
In this film, for the first time McAuliffe’s family speaks out about the impact of her death, revealing the deep private loss behind the public tragedy and how it drastically altered their lives.
Previously unseen footage and candid interviews surround the events that tore a family apart and brought a nation to tears.
"The Traipsing Thru Films effort became the most riveting ever produced on a shuttle-era astronaut. It captured to perfection McAuliffe’s delightful exuberance during training and the stark reality of her untimely death and its impact on her family." -- Rick Houston, Author
Wheels Stop: The Tragedies and Triumphs of the Space Shuttle Program, 1986-2011
a learning tool in schools across the country 🎓 TEacher's Guide
In 2005, Christa McAuliffe: Reach for the Stars, celebrating the life and legacy of Christa McAuliffe, premiered on the film festival circuit, with screenings at the prestigious High Falls Film Festival and the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.
In January 2006, to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Christa McAuliffe’s passing and the tragic loss of the Space Shuttle Challenger, CNN aired Christa McAuliffe: Reach for the Stars over 20 times, featuring an on-set introduction and narration by Paula Zahn.
Educators:
Grade Level: 7 -12, College (modify for grades 4-6) Subject Areas: U.S. History, Current Events, Science and Technology
Astronauts & OuterSPACE!
Space Shuttle Launch * Astronauts @BlueStar118
In the news
Each year, the Christa McAuliffe Sabbatical awards a year-long leave of absence to an exceptional New Hampshire public school teacher. The sabbatical provides the teacher with the time, space, and funding to explore, through a self-designed project, new ideas and ways to enhance classroom teaching!
Learn more here: www.nhcf.org/how-can-we-help-you/apply-for-a-grant/christa-mcauliffe/
Tag a NH teacher! The application window closes on February 13th! 🍎
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In the 40 years since Christa McAuliffe was selected as the first private citizen to go to space, space exploration has changed in extraordinary ways- from the first wheelchair user crossing the Kármán line last month, to astronauts preparing to orbit the Moon on Artemis II as soon as next month!
Christa’s vision of bringing teachers, learning, and curiosity into space remains as powerful as ever. 🍎⭐
In two weeks, join us to reflect, remember, and honor the mission, the crew, and of course, the pioneer, Christa McAuliffe.
www.starhop.com/discover/reachforthestars
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40 years ago today, Christa McAuliffe was preparing for her flight aboard Challenger as America's first citizen passenger in space.
As we solemnly remember McAuliffe and the STS-51L crew who were tragically lost in the Challenger explosion on January 28, 1986, we invite you to learn more about McAuliffe and NASA's Teacher in Space project: go.nasa.gov/4q8sBDi
📷 Christa McAuliffe removes her helmet after participating in emergency egress training in the shuttle mock-up and integration lab at the Johnson Space Center on January 8, 1986.
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