One Giant Leap for Mankind: Neil Armstrong and Courage

How can the courage of Neil Armstrong, who led the Apollo 11 space mission and became the first man to walk on the moon, inspire students to cultivate and apply courage in their own lives?

Walk-In-The-Shoes Questions:
As you read, imagine you are the protagonist.

• What challenges are you facing?
• What fears or concerns might you have?
• What may prevent you from acting in the way you ought?

Observation Questions

• What contributions did Neil Armstrong and the other astronauts make towards the advancement of freedom through their demonstration of courage in the space race?
• In what ways did Armstrong’s courage contribute to his ability to lead the Apollo 11 mission?

Discussion Questions:
Discuss the following questions with your students.

• What is the historical context of the narrative?
• What historical circumstances presented a challenge to the protagonist?
• How and why did the individual exhibit a moral and/or civic virtue in facing and overcoming the challenge?
• How did the exercise of the virtue benefit civil society?
• How might exercise of the virtue benefit the protagonist?
• What might the exercise of the virtue cost the protagonist?
• Would you react the same under similar circumstances? Why or why not?
• How can you act similarly in your own life? What obstacles must you overcome in order to do so?

• Students will evaluate Neil Armstrong’s courage during the early days of the space race.
• Students will analyze how courageous acts can promote progress.
• Students will apply their knowledge of courage to their own lives.