Biography of Mae Jemison

Mae Jemison: A Pioneer in Space

Read the information about Mae Jemison and answer the questions that follow.

Mae C. Jemison was born on October 17, 1956, in Decatur, Alabama. When she was three years old, her family moved to Chicago, Illinois. From a young age, Mae was curious about science and the stars. She loved to read and spent many hours at the library. She also enjoyed dancing and wanted to be a professional dancer.

Mae was a very bright student. She graduated from high school at only 16 years old! She went to Stanford University and earned a degree in chemical engineering. After that, she went to Cornell Medical School and became a doctor. She even served in the Peace Corps as a medical officer in Sierra Leone and Liberia.

In 1987, Mae Jemison made history when she was chosen by NASA to become an astronaut. On September 12, 1992, she became the first African American woman to travel to space aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour. During her mission, she orbited the Earth for more than seven days, conducting experiments on motion sickness and bone cells. Her journey inspired many people around the world.

1. Where was Mae C. Jemison born?

2. What did Mae Jemison study at Stanford University?

3. Mae Jemison became the first African American woman to travel to  .

4. She served in the   Corps as a medical officer.

5. What was the name of the Space Shuttle Mae Jemison traveled on?

6. Name two things Mae Jemison loved to do when she was young, besides studying.

7. Mae Jemison wanted to be a professional dancer when she was younger.

8. Mae Jemison first traveled to space in 1987.