MATH CONNECTION As an astronaut, Ellen spent 978 hours in space. That’s almost 41 days! (There are 24 hours in one day. 978 ÷ 24 = 40.75.) On her first trip to space, aboard the space shuttle Discovery , Ellen used her science and math skills to collect and analyze data about the Sun’s effect on Earth’s environment. On later trips to space, she operated a robotic arm to deliver supplies to the ISS and to help other astronauts walk in space. Ellen’s career proves that Math Heroes work hard to achieve their dreams.
Ellen Ochoa plays the flute in the space shuttle Discovery .
Get Inspired!
After retiring as an astronaut, Ellen became the first Latina director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center. She received NASA’s Distinguished Service Medal, was inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, and had six schools named for her! Ellen encourages women to study and consider careers in STEM fields. She says, “We need the best and brightest from all backgrounds to work together to come up with solutions and new ideas.”
Ellen at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame.
11
scholastic.com/mathcamp
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs