Final answer:
The major effect of the Soviet satellite Sputnik on American education was the enhanced focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in schools, facilitated by increased federal investment and the establishment of NASA.
Step-by-step explanation:
The launch of the Soviet satellite Sputnik in October 1957 had a significant impact on American education. In response to what was perceived as a technological gap indicated by the launch of Sputnik, the United States heightened its emphasis on scientific and technological education. This was part of a broader initiative to ensure that the nation did not fall behind the Soviets in important fields that had potential military applications, including space exploration and missile technology.
Congress passed the National Defense Education Act (NDEA) in September 1958, which significantly increased federal funding for American schools and universities, with a specific focus on science, mathematics, and foreign language education. The establishment of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in 1958 also underscored the urgency with which the United States began to prioritize space and scientific research. This era saw a rush to improve the science curriculum in schools and resulted in an educational drive that aimed to produce more scientists and engineers capable of contributing to the nation’s space and defense efforts.