We Need More SPACE!

by
Sandra Arias-Norton, Susan Littlefield, and Amanda Quick

(Edited by Mrs. Maureen Schoenberger mschoenberger@medford.k12.nj.us)

Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion

Introduction

Earth is too crowded!  NASA has told us that we need to start moving to the moon next year.  Since we have been studying the moon, they are calling us as their experts.  Before we move, we will need to make a plan.  Without gravity, how will we live and move on the moon?  Without oxygen, how will we dress?

The Task

You will be working in groups of 3 to design new transportation, housing, and clothing for people to use on their new moon environment.  You will complete a drawing and write about how your design is possible based upon what you know (and find out!) about the moon.

The Process

 1) You will be working in groups of three. Each person will choose ONE of the three jobs:

Fashion Designer: Will research and design new types of sacesuits for people to wear everyday.

Architect: Will design a type of house to replace the lunar module.

Shuttle Designer: Will design the type of vehicle the people will use to travel to the moon.
 

2) As a group, Click on the moon below and and complete the Moon Scavenger Hunt. Remember, you are a team, so help each other out! Record your answers on the sheet provided by your teacher.

3)Now watch this great movie on the moon!

4) Now you need to split up.  Each of you will visit the sites below for your  job.  Read the page carefully and write down three new facts that you learned on the paper provided by your teacher.

 Fashion Designer:  Tells you about today's space suits

  Architect: Tells you how astronauts live in space today

 Shuttle Designer:  Tells you about today's space shuttle

4)Using what you have learned, you can now design your picture using Kid Pix. After drawing your picture, describe what is special about your design.  Type in sentences on your Kid Pix page.  Then Print out your drawings and share with your group.

5) All finished? Great! Now you can check out some really cool space sites:

Living in Space                   Astronauts                   Space Place     
 

 Lunar Game Center      NASA For Kids                NASA KIDS

Evaluation

You will be evaluated by the following things:
 

Rubric For Teachers

Conclusion

Great Job! Your designs are wonderful and I am sure NASA will agree!  NASA did leave a few questions that they would like for you to answer. First, how are the Earth and the Moon different?  What are the basic things that all humans need to live? And lastly, after looking at everyone's drawings what do you see that you like and wish you had thought of and put in your drawing? See you on the moon!

Sources

Unknown. Kids Rover: Moon. [Online] Available http://www.hbo.com/apollo/cmp/rover_moon.html, January 22, 1999.

Pase, Barry W. Barry's Clip Art  Sever [Online] Available http://www.barrysclipart.com, February 11, 1996.

Ralph, Randy D. IconBAZAAR [Online] Available http://www.iconbazaar.com,  December 3, 1998

Woodfill, Jerry. Automation, Robotics, and Simulation Division Home Page. [Online] Available http://tommy.jsc.nasa.gov/, August 3, 1998.
 

Last updated January 26, 1999
 

Based on a template from The Webquest Page.