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Common Core State Standard
SL.CCS.1/2/3/4 Grades 6-12: An essay of a current news event is provided for discussion to encourage participation, but also inspire the use of evidence to support logical claims using the main ideas of the article. Students must analyze background information provided about a current event within the news, draw out the main ideas and key details, and review different opinions on the issue. Then, students should present their own claims using facts and analysis for support. FOR THE WEEK OF JUNE 27, 2011 Upcoming shuttle launch closes a 34-year chapter of U.S. space exploration![]() ![]() Look for a preview of the Atlantis launch or links to multimedia materials at the paper's website.
![]() Contrast the length and placement of shuttle news with coverage of other national events. Do you think the balance is about right? Should this space mission get more attention or less?
![]() Find another report related to science or engineering and share what you learned.
Part of U.S. history is scheduled to blast into space near the end of next week. Pre-retirement orbits by Atlantis, the last active shuttle in NASA's fleet, will wrap up a manned launch program that began 34 years and 134 missions ago. After its 33rd flight, a mission to resupply the International Space Station, Atlantis will be displayed at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Merritt Island, Fla.
A chance to witness the final liftoff, scheduled July 8, is a big draw for space buffs and others. Tickets that cost $20 to $65 through a NASA lottery are offered for hundreds of dollars on eBay and other sites. Spectators also can see the historic launch for free at nearby beaches and other spots. Then U.S. manned spaceflight takes a long break while NASA scientists and engineers -- working on a tight budget -- plan trips to Mars eventually. "We are committed to living within our means in these tough fiscal times," says Administrator Charles Bolden. "And we are committed to carrying out our ambitious new plans for exploration and discovery."
Front Page Talking Points is written by
Felix Grabowski and Alan Stamm for NIEonline.com, Copyright 2025
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