Today I would like to watch the clip below.
This film was made by WWF and shows a chimpanzee sent into space during the space program in the 1960's as an experiment. (This really did happen!)
1961: Chimp returns safely after space flight
A chimpanzee sent into space in a rocket by the United States has been recovered alive and well about 420 miles (676 km) from the launching site in Cape Canaveral.
The test was one of many planned to ensure that a human being could survive space flight, think clearly and perform useful functions outside the Earth's atmosphere.
The chimp, named Ham, was trained to pull levers in response to flashing lights during flight. He carried out several such operations successfully as he travelled at 5,000 mph (8,000 km/h) at a height of 155 miles (250 km) above the Earth.
This part is the film producer's reflection ( not true) on what might have happened had the chimp stayed in space for longer.
65 years later the chimp has returned and he sees Earth and all it's changes through the eyes of a stranger.
When you have watched the clip answer the following questions then complete the refelection.
You might want to imagine how the chimp feels coming back to the earth during lockdown or you might want to imagine him coming back to the world as it was before lockdown.
Try to include:
*changes in the way we live ( you might need to ask parents and grandparents about this!)
*how humans have changed the planet
*how people have changed
Do you think it was right to send a chimp into space?
How might the chimp have felt during its journey into space?
Could anything have been done differently to make it better for the chimp?
What changes might the chimp see on his return to earth?
Why do you think the chimp is sad at the end of the clip?
Reflection.
This clip made me feel...….because
I think the chimp would.....
I understand why a chimp might be sent into space but......
I think the message is....
