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RETURN TO THE MOON
The year is 2015. For the first time since 1972, a crew of astronauts is returning to the Moon. This time, they plan to stay. Their mission is to establish a permanent base on the Moon to observe and explore, as well as test the feasibility of off-Earth settlements. Navigating their way into lunar orbit, students must construct and launch a probe, and analyze a variety of data gathered from the lunar surface to select a site for establishing the permanent Moon base.
These lessons will help you to prepare your students for their exciting mission to space. All free downloadable lessons are in Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) or zip format.
Rock Groups (510 KB)
Science
Students will use a Venn diagram to classify rocks by markings and size.
Rocky Dimensions and Volume (510 KB)
Science, Mathematics
Students will classify rock samples using scale, into 1 of 5 categories used by geologists.
Apollo 11 Cryptograph (510 KB)
Science
Cryptographs are word puzzles. Each letter in the puzzle represents another letter of the alphabet. Once certain letters are determined, then words can be deciphered and finally the entire puzzle.
Basic Life Support System (510 KB)
Science
What are the basic elements of a biosphere needed to create a balanced environment?
Building a Lunar Settlement (510 KB)
Science
Students work in teams to design and build a scale model of a lunar settlement module and answer the question, How will the environmental constraints of the Moon influence the design of a settlement?
How Far Is Far? (510 KB)
National Science Education Standard D3, AAAS Benchmarks 2B1, 4A2
Students can determine the actual distance to the Sun and the Moon without ever leaving the Earth, and therefore gain a better understanding of the huge distances in the Earth-Sun-Moon system. In order to determine these distances, students apply their understanding of mathematical models in two different ways, using a single mathematical principle.
Layers of the Moon (382 KB)
Science
Students will learn the current theory of the geology of the moon's layers. Using this information, students will construct a scale model of the moon's layers and cut a cross section to identify the layers.
Lunar Landforms and Contour Lines (510 KB)
Science
Students match elevation drawings with topographic drawings of lunar features and predict which landforms might be difficult for a lunar rover to traverse. Students compare a variety of features found on an Earth topographic map to a lunar topographic map and make comparisons and predictions.
M&M Moon Mining (404 KB)
Science
This lesson allows students to mine for M&Ms as a comparison to the astronauts mining for Moon samples. Students will have to use math skills to determine if their mine was profitable.
Moon Maneuvers (420 KB)
Mathematics, Science
Students locate and plot Apollo Moon Missions and learn about a variety of lunar surface features by plotting and planning a moon trip that will visit designated lunar sites.
Moon Phases (510 KB)
Science, Mathematics
Why does the Moon’s appearance change as it revolves around the Earth?
Settling the Moon (510 KB)
Science
Students use a topographic map to analyze the impact a human colony will have on the Moon. Students then design a detailed layout of a colony and write a report listing challenges, solutions, and lessons learned. Students use journals and worksheets, the map, and a performance rubric to assess their work.
Water on the Moon (510 KB)
Science, Mathematics
What obstacles do scientists face in attempting to extract water from lunar permafrost?
Lunar Real Estate (326 KB)
Mathematics, Science
Students will develop a plan for lunar land distribution by analyzing American land distribution strategies.
