Canadian Scientists: Roberta Bondar
Roberta Bondar is a Canadian astronaut, neurologist, and
photographer who made history as the first Canadian woman and
the first neurologist to travel into space. She was born in Sault Ste.
Marie, Ontario, in 1945 and her love for science began early in
life. Her father built a lab in their basement where she conducted
experiments, and she dreamed of becoming an astronaut.
Bondar’s determination to prove her capabilities as a woman led
her to pursue a rigorous education. She earned degrees in zoology, agriculture, experimental pathology,
neurobiology, and medicine. In 1983, she was chosen as one of the first six Canadian astronauts. Bondar
trained with the Canadian Space Agency and in 1992, she flew into space on the Discovery space shuttle as a
payload specialist. During her eight-day mission, she conducted experiments on the effects of microgravity on
living organisms, including shrimp eggs, fruit fly eggs, and bacteria.
Bondar’s experience in space inspired her to become a nature photographer. She has photographed all of
Canada’s national parks, the High Arctic, the Sahara, and American deserts. Her work is displayed in galleries
around the world and she is a NASA Principal Investigator, studying migratory birds and their habitats. She is
a true Renaissance woman, combining her expertise in neurology, photography, and space exploration to
inspire others.
Bondar’s accomplishments have earned her many honors, including the Order of Canada, the Order of
Ontario, the NASA Space Flight Medal, and over 28 honorary degrees. She is a role model for young people,
demonstrating that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. She is a true inspiration to
Canadians and people around the world.
Reading Summary
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Roberta Bondar is a Canadian astronaut, neurologist, and photographer who was the first Canadian woman in space.
She studied many subjects, including zoology, agriculture, and medicine, before becoming an astronaut.
Bondar is a role model for young people, showing that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.
Do the questions on the back!
Multiple Choice Questions
1. Where did Roberta Bondar’s early love for science begin?
a) In her high school science class
b) During her college years studying zoology
c) In a basement lab her father built
d) At the Canadian Space Agency
2. What did Roberta Bondar study in school that helped her become an astronaut?
a) She studied zoology, agriculture, experimental pathology, neurobiology, and medicine.
b) She studied photography, art, and history.
c) She studied engineering, physics, and mathematics.
d) She studied space exploration, astronomy, and rocket science.
3. What did Roberta Bondar do during her eight-day mission in space?
a) She took pictures of the Earth and the stars.
b) She repaired a broken satellite.
c) She conducted experiments on the effects of microgravity on living organisms.
d) She trained astronauts for future missions.
4. What inspired Roberta Bondar to become a nature photographer?
a) Her love for science inspired her to photograph the natural world.
b) Her experience in space inspired her to become a nature photographer.
c) Her family encouraged her to pursue photography.
d) She was inspired by other famous photographers.
Short Answer Questions
Question #1 - List two specific areas of research or experimentation Roberta Bondar focused on during her space
mission aboard the Discovery shuttle.
Question #2 What are some of the honors and awards Roberta Bondar has received for her accomplishments?
Mention at least two.
Question #3 - Bondar is a role model for young people. Who are some of your role models? What qualities do you
admire in them?