9/16/2026

Morning Announcements

Morning Meeting Agenda

Mon · Social Studies Tue · Literacy Wed · Science Thu · Math Fri · ROAR + Houses
Science of the Day

A scientist who reached the stars!

Today we celebrate a scientist who flew to space four times — and invented technology that helps computers “see.” Fun fact: today is also Mexican Independence Day, right in the middle of Hispanic Heritage Month!

Portrait of Ellen Ochoa

Meet Ellen Ochoa! Her family came from Mexico. She grew up to become an astronaut and flew all the way to space — four different times!

An astronaut is a scientist who travels to space. They ride a rocket, float in the air, and do experiments high above the Earth!

Let’s talk
  • What do you think Ellen saw out the window of her spaceship?
  • If you could bring one thing with you to space, what would it be?
Try it

Blast off like Ellen! Let’s count down in Spanish: “¡Cinco! ¡Cuatro! ¡Tres! ¡Dos! ¡Uno! ¡Despegue!” (That means blast off!) Now float your arms slowly like you’re in space.

Mystery scientist: She earned a doctorate in electrical engineering, holds patents for optical systems that help computers recognize images, flew on four space shuttle missions, and later became director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center. In 1993, she became the first Hispanic woman to travel to space.

Who is she?Hide
Portrait of Ellen Ochoa
Ellen Ochoa — a Mexican American engineer and astronaut. She logged nearly 1,000 hours in space across four missions and became the first Hispanic director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center. She has said that what got her there wasn’t being the smartest — it was being willing to work hard and keep learning. Photo: NASA (public domain)
Let’s talk
  • Being the “first” to do something takes courage. Why do you think that is?
  • She studied engineering AND played classical flute. Why might having many interests help a scientist?
Try it

With a partner: name a job in science, technology, engineering, or math that you’d want to try. Then name one thing you could start learning this year to get closer to it.

Additional Notes/Activities

If additional activities are needed for the Morning Meeting, they will be added here.