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Grade Level 5-8
Earth and Space Science
Visit a Challenger Learning Center
We need a sustainable habitat on the Moon. Can your students determine where?
NASA recently launched a Rover to the Moon to explore new areas and collect critical scientific data. However, the Rover lost power before any of the findings were sent back to Earth. We need a faster and more reliable process to gather this type of information. NASA has a new directive—human astronauts will return to the Moon!
As a team of astronauts, your students must board a Spacecraft and launch to the Moon in search of a long-term habitat. Another team of scientists and engineers are stationed in Mission Control on Earth to command and assist the astronauts on this mission. Once the Spacecraft crew successfully lands on the Moon, they must deploy a Lunar Exploration Rover to identify a suitable location for a sustainable long-term human habitat.
However, when the crew receives troubling readings from below the Moon’s surface, the two teams must work together and make critical decisions to turn a potential catastrophe into NASA’s finest hour.
Visit a Challenger Learning Center where students experience our fully immersive and interactive Lunar Quest simulation. They’ll be placed into teams to conduct research, collaborate to find solutions to urgent challenges, and experience real-world STEM careers.
Integrate pre-and post-mission activities, including Virtual Mission: Destination Moon, into your classroom lessons to expand students’ understanding of Earth and space science and technology.
While Lunar Quest primarily focuses on Earth and space science themes, it also integrates physical science, life science, and engineering topics.
“I really enjoyed our trip to the Moon. My favorite part was when my classmates and I went to Mission Control. It’s always been my dream to work at NASA!”
- Student, Boyertown School District (Pennsylvania), Participated in Lunar Quest at Challenger Learning Center at Montco Pottstown
Learning Objectives
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Understand and analyze features of the lunar surface
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Understand how solar power is used during space exploration
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Troubleshoot and solve problems using the engineering design process
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Collaborate with peers to achieve a common goal
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Enhance scientific vocabulary
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Approximate program time: 2 hours
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Pre- and post-lesson activities available
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Reading level options available (student selected)
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Closed captioning available
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Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) aligned
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Common Core State Standards (CCSS) aligned
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No personal student data collected