Reflection #12 EDF1005

Samantha Clarke
Reflection #12 EDF1005
Sputnik effect on American Education

The Sputnik launch was one of fear and surprise for the American and significantly impacted their education system. The Sputnik was the first artificial satellites launch on October 4, 1954 that lead the American to feel vulnerable. This launch initiated a space race that eventually created space shuttles and the occupation of space station. It would seems though that the U.S had valid reason for not creating the first satellite as they were not about doing this as an hobby but for a more viable reason. However after sputnik was launched many took interest in the new development and financially supported education and satellite projects.

The launch of sputnik created a revolutionary education reform. The U.S found it self among the most powerful nation on earth after the World War-ll. They reconstructed global economy and rank education as important in further development. However after sputnik the nations school was reformed to meet new scientific and technological challenges. The national Defense Education Act (NDEA) was passed, and this was mainly to ensure security of the nation and to develop intellectual and technological skills of students both male and female. This lead to the funding and development of instruction, curriculum, teacher training programs and scholarships for college students. They encouraged subject areas that are important to the nation’s defense. These includes but not limited to subjects such as mathematics and the sciences, reading and technology.

The launching of sputnik affected U.S education because they were lacking adequate studies in fields such as the sciences. They always thought they were one step ahead but this took them by surprise. They felt rather vulnerable and fearful as this could create a defense controversy. It affected them because they were not prepared to handle the technological advances and found rather that their education system needed much improvement to meet such demand. It engages the U.S in the great space race with the Soviet Union each trying to accomplish the greatest or best creation in exploring space. It includes activities such as sending man to the moon, creating space satellites and exploring outer space. This created the increase in space technology for military and moral pursuit.