The following classroom activity is part of the NASA Lunar Prospector
education site. Your classroom can create its own lunar spacecraft and
choose a place to land it on the Moon.
Background
Students are given the challenge to plan a mission to the
Moon. In this activity, teams of students design a
spacecraft, choose a suitable lunar landing site, and present their
ideas before the entire class. Final presentations should
include speeches and visual aids, such as maps, diagrams,
and three-dimensional models.
In Class
Lead a discussion on what the students need to know about
the Moon and potential landing sites before
landing. A review of the Apollo sites may help initiate a
discussion.
After presenting the scenario and tasks to the class,
form cooperative teams of 3-4 students. Each student will
have assigned duties, as described on the reproducible "Team
Duty Sheet." For the presentations, either 3-D models or
poster-size diagrams can be made, depending on resources and
time. Any one or all of the team members may participate in the
presentations.
Scenario: NASA has given you the assignment to develop a
spacecraft that can fly people safely to the Moon, land, and
return to Earth. You must select a safe, yet interesting,
lunar landing site for the spacecraft.
Size, mass, propulsion, number of crew, life support
systems, and methods of takeoff and landing should be
considered for the spacecraft. Geology, terrain, safety, and
length of stay should be considered for the lunar landing
site.
Wrap-up
1. How do the sites chosen by the class compare in
location and geologic diversity with the Apollo sites?
2. What made some of the spacecraft designs and landing sites
in this activity more risky than others?
3. Are these lunar landing sites good for short-term
visits only, or could these sites be appropriate for lunar
base development?
Suggestion for expanding this activity: The spacecraft
designs could be conducted as a spin-off of the
"egg-drop" contest. Each spacecraft is constructed to hold
and protect one raw egg. The egg must remain unbroken after
landing from a high drop (perhaps a second-story balcony).
For more lesson plans and suggested activities, please visit the NASA
lunar homepage, which has an entire section dedicated to educators
(includes teacher's guides).