Moon
For Moon Phases and Eclipse-related activities and resources, go here.
Activities
- The Scoop on Moon Dirt (1st–6th grades)
Demonstrate the different properties of soil and the role of erosion in creating soil. Students examine two different local soil samples and compare them to lunar “soil” simulant. Students explore how soil forms on Earth by using water to wear down a “rock” of sand and ice. Next, they replicate the effect of wind using sandpaper and dry, brittle bread. - As the Moon Turns - A Puppet Show (Kindergarten–6th grade)
Students learn about the formation and history of our Moon and how NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Mission will help us return. Children make puppets and then listen to — or present — a puppet show. - Moon Tune (4th–7th grade)
Students sing about NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Mission to the Moon and learn about how our Moon formed and changed through time, the search for water and other resources on the Moon, and future lunar outposts! - Moon Pie (3rd–6th grade)
Students work in teams to apply their knowledge about the Moon, its environment, and the LRO Mission to match responses to Moon questions. With the correct responses, they build a picture of the Moon in this 20 minute activity. - Mission Moon! (5th grade–adult)
Students work in teams to assess environmental conditions, resources, and scientific relevance of different locations on the Moon, using data collected from previous lunar missions. They select the site they believe has the best potential for a future lunar outpost. The teams debate their conclusions and work together to determine which single site to recommend to NASA.
Information
- Exploring the Moon (high school–adult)
An extensive source of information on past and future missions to the Moon. Written at an adult level, it may be appropriate for high school students as well.
Other Resources
- Clementine Explores the Moon, second edition (high school and educator)
A selection of imagery and global data coverage obtained by the Clementine spacecraft. Clementine traveled first to the Moon, mapped it globally over the course of two months, and then travel to the near-Earth asteroid, Geographos, for a fly-by encounter. The lunar phase of the mission was completely successful in obtaining global maps of lunar color and topography. This is the second edition, revised in 1997. Images can be downloaded and used for free for educational purposes; also available as a slide set. Images are accompanied by detailed information written at a high school to college level. 35 images. - Apollo Landing Sites (high school and educator)
Photographic coverage of the regional setting for the six Apollo landing sites. Images can be downloaded and used for free for educational purposes. Images are accompanied by detailed information written at a high school to college level. 40 images. - Dr. Walter Kiefer’s Planetary Science Web sites (all ages)
Useful Web sites about NASA and planetary science, and links to selected websites concerned with human space flight, astronomy, and science education. - Earth and Moon Statistics Powerpoint (Educators)
A powerpoint developed for use in teacher workshops, to be used in conjunction with hands-on activities. - Moon Formation and Processes Powerpoint (Educators)
A powerpoint developed for use in teacher workshops, to be used in conjunction with hands-on activities.
