MoonQuest
(Activity for Grades K-8)

 
The Task Roles and Description Resources The Process Conclusions

Introduction
Animation of Moon phasesMany of the scientific facts we know today were not known to our ancestors.  To explain everything that existed in their world, our ancestors created another world: a world of gods, goddesses and myths.  They made up stories and tales about these gods and goddesses and told these tales to one another and to their children.  Almost every ancient civilization has some legend concerning the Moon:  how it was created, why it appears when it does, why its appearance changes daily, etc.  These myths vary from one culture to the next, but many of them are amazingly similar.  And some of them were believed long after the civilization which created them had disappeared.

Task
Bar showing sequence of Moon phases
1) To research myths about the Moon, and discover what ancient civilization(s) created these myths.

2) To find the facts about the Moon that underly these myths.

3) To design a brochure displaying this information, and report these findings to the class.

4) To find out if there are any Moon missions scheduled now or in the future.

5) To use your imaginations and speculate what facts may be learned about the Moon in the future.



 
Animation of Moon phases Team Roles and Assignments
Historians Your knowledge of past myths and legends allows you to create and tell the stories of the Moon's past and present.
Fact Finders Your knowledge of the Moon will allow you to explain the myths of the past, and explain what science knows about the Moon today.
Graphic Designers Your ability to design and create will allow you to make a brochure presenting information about the Moon.
Journalist/ Reporters Using your most newsworthy voice, you will present the information to the class.
Mission Specialists Using information available from many sources, you will learn about future Moon missions and the possible discoveries that await us.

Resources
NASA provides information and image data from all its missions. NASA's Windows To the Universe is the resource selected to launch the project.  Your challenge is to locate additional primary resources to develop the exhibit.


The Process
Step #1: Gaining background knowledge.
  • Before you begin your roles, learn some myths and facts about the Moon. 
Step #2: Begin and complete the project. 
  1. Once you've learned some basics about  the Moon, divide the class into groups of about four students. 
  2. Select one of the roles above for each group.
  3. Define the responsibilities within each group. 
  4. Establish a timeline for completing the task.
  5. Begin your work (research, collect data, organize data, design a product, prepare to publish, present).


Conclusion
You've finished the tasks.  You've presented your information.  What conclusions can you draw about the Moon?  What do you know now that you did not know before?  What other things do you wish to know about the Moon?

 
Teaching Page
Student Project
Resources
Main page

 Webquest concept from The Webquest Page