One Giant Leap: Linda and the Space Race

Astronaut Edwin E. Aldrin Jr. on the Moon (Image by NASA)

On July 20, 1969, 14-year-old Linda watched on television as humans first landed on the moon. Then she grew up to work for NASA!

In this episode, you’ll learn about a real kid who lived through the space race, sparking a passion for science. Along the way, you’ll hear Linda’s story in her own words, using real audio clips from her firsthand account. You’ll also learn more about the fascinating science behind space research!

You can also listen on your favorite listening app:

Hi! I’m Lorraine, creator and co-host of History’s Kids. I first heard about Linda’s story when I read an article about scientists’ childhood memories of the Space Race. Linda was interviewed for that article. I reached out and asked her if she’d like to be on History’s Kids!

Before I interviewed Linda, I did lots of research about the Space Race. I looked at NASA’s website to find images and information to help me. I even listened to audio from the lunar missions we talk about in today’s episode.

I also reached out to a friend named Emily Olsen to help review my episode. Emily is a volunteer NASA Solar System Ambassador. As an Ambassador, it’s her job to communicate the science and excitement of NASA's space exploration missions and discoveries. Emily gave me great feedback to help make the episode even stronger. I always recommend finding experts to take a look at your writing! Thanks, Emily.

How We Researched Today’s Episode

Learn More About Space Exploration 🔭

Interactive Website: The Process of Early Spaceflight: The Gemini Program (National Archives Foundation)
Primary Source: Space Flight Proposal for Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo Projects (National Archives)
Article: What is the Artemis Program? (NASA)
Interactive Website: Meet the Astronauts Now in Space (NASA)
There are always more resources available at your school or local library!

You Might Also Like… 🎧

REACH: A Space Podcast for Kids is a family-friendly exploration of our galaxy (and beyond!) with hosts Brian Holden and Meredith Stepien. Built for kids and based on questions from kids, Reach educates with entertaining segments, fun at-home experiments, and interviews presented in association with subject matter experts & thought partners from leading institutions like the Adler Planetarium (and many more). Check out their show today, and get knowledge...within your Reach.

If You Liked This Episode… Check Out These Books! 📚

We hope every episode of History’s Kids will be a jumping-off point for learning. Find these books in your school or local library for more on Jackie Robinson and the integration of professional baseball!

Classroom Resources 🎒

The handouts below can be paired with this or any episode to engage students as they reflect on what they’ve learned, share their learning with others, and even research the stories of other “History’s Kids” who are now adults in their lives.

Click here for a full transcript of this episode. Kids can read along as they listen!
Hosted By: Lorraine Leddy & James Brown Jr.
Written By: Lorraine Leddy & Barrett Leddy
Music: Pure Color / Frank Jonsson / Courtesy of Epidemic Sound
Audio Editing & Sound Design: Ben Kammer
Cover Art: Tom Deja / Bossman Graphics
Directed By: Barrett Leddy
Special Thanks: Linda Spilker and Emily Olsen (NASA Solar System Ambassador, Creator and Co-Host of the Art Astra Podcast)
Season one of History’s Kids is made possible through the generous support of our listeners. This episode is brought to you by Amanda Parker, Andrew Morin, Zoe & Mella, and Wizard Hat Miles. You can join in the fun by supporting the show on Patreon today!