(Activity for grades 5-8)
 
The Task Roles and Description Resources The Process Conclusion

 
Many 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. 

1) To research the myths about the Moon, and discover how and by what ancient civilization(s) these myths were created.

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

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

4) To find out what missions (if any) we on Earth have planned concerning the Moon right now and in the future.

5) To use your imaginations and speculate what facts we may find out about the Moon in the future.


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 creatively 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.

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

 


 

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

 

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?

 

 
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 Webquest concept from The Webquest Page