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Approximate program time: 2 hours
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Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) aligned
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Common Core State Standards (CCSS) aligned
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Grade Level 3-9
Earth and Space Science
Stay In My Classroom
Explore the Moon
Engage your students in activities at different stations to learn about the seven phases of a lunar exploration: Preparing for launch, rocket launching, lunar landing, the Moon phases, lunar geology, lava tube exploration, and programming a lunar rover.
The Next Giant Leap primarily focuses on Earth and space science themes, but it also integrates physical science and engineering topics. While developed for students in grades 3-9, these lessons can be adapted for all ages.
Each station has 1-2 activities. We encourage students to participate in all activities in order to fully experience the process of a Moon mission.
Lessons with an asterisk * use common household items.
Preparing for Launch*
Students build a model of the Orion spacecraft and balance the Launch Abort Vehicle.
Rocket Launching
Students build paper rockets that can be launched using a stomp rocket launcher.
Lunar Landing*
Students build a lunar lander equipped with a landing shock absorber.
Phases of the Moon*
Students assemble a model from cups and paper that will help them understand the names of the Moon phases and how Moon phases occur.
Lunar Geology
Students operate a robot arm to pick up and analyze lunar rocks to classify the mineral composition.
Lava Tube Exploration*
Students drive and program a Sphero Robot to navigate through a pathway of cones, simulating the exploration of lunar lava tubes below the Moon’s surface.
Programming a Lunar Rover*
Students assemble and program a rover to navigate and conduct experiments on the Moon’s surface. This lesson requires download of our free app, Challenger Rover, available for tablets only.
In Partnership
The Next Giant Leap is based upon work supported by NASA under agreement #NNX16AD70A. Any opinions, findings, conclusions and/or recommendations expressed in these materials are those of Challenger Center and do not necessarily reflect the views of NASA.
