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Lesson Title: Earth's Attic: The Moon
Earth Moon System
Grade Levels: 7-9
Connection To Curriculum:
Earth Science and Astronomy
Teacher Prep Time: 2 hours
Complexity: Advanced
Keywords: cratering, geometry,
triangulation, geology, meteorite,
meteorite origin
Materials:
Moon Crater and Regolith Activities
Assortment of pans
Low-cut boxes
Flour
Small rubber balls
Powder drink, chocolate
Tape measure/ruler
Printouts of data record sheets from lesson URL
Reaping Rocks
Assortment different types/classes (igneous, sedimentary, etc.) of small rocks
Printouts of data record sheets from lesson URL
Lava Layering
Paper cups, 4 oz. size; some cut down to a height of 2.5 cm
Cafeteria tray or cookie sheet, one for each eruption source
Tape
Tablespoon
Baking soda
Measuring cup
Vinegar
Food coloring, 4 colors
Playdough; same four colors as food coloring
Plastic knife, string or dental floss to slice through layers of playdough
Assortment of pans
Low-cut boxes
Flour
Small rubber balls
Powder drink, chocolate
Tape measure/ruler
Printouts of data record sheets from lesson URL
Reaping Rocks
Assortment different types/classes (igneous, sedimentary, etc.) of small rocks
Printouts of data record sheets from lesson URL
Lava Layering
Paper cups, 4 oz. size; some cut down to a height of 2.5 cm
Cafeteria tray or cookie sheet, one for each eruption source
Tape
Tablespoon
Baking soda
Measuring cup
Vinegar
Food coloring, 4 colors
Playdough; same four colors as food coloring
Plastic knife, string or dental floss to slice through layers of playdough
Description
This lesson combines a series of activities to help students understand the physical characteristics of the moon.
Objectives
Students will:
• Create a simulation to model how craters and regolith are formed on the moon.
• Practice mathematical principles to determine lunar crater formation characteristics.
• Predict the origin of lunar rocks by first collecting, describing and classifying neighborhood rocks.
• Demonstrate how the stratigraphy of lava flows is produced by multiple eruptions.
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Lesson Guide Earth's Attic: The Moon Lesson [106KB PDF file] |
Professional Development Training Modules for This Lesson
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Lesson Activities and Sequence
- Moon Math: Craters! Supplemental Educator Guide
Students investigate various determining factors that create different sizes and shapes of lunar craters.
Keywords: impact, projectile, measurement, diameter, circumference, crater, moon, matrix table, data analysis, scientific process, angles, design process, math, angles, approximation, mass, area, volume, scale, sphere, proofs, equations, higher level - Regolith Formation
Students study how lunar surface material is created.
Keywords: regolith, lunar surface, moon, cratering, maria, highlands, weathering impact craters, erosion, meteoritic bombardment - Reaping Rocks
Students have a chance to become "SCI rock investigators" by making predictions about the origin of lunar rocks by first collecting, describing and classifying neighborhood rocks.
Keywords: rocks, minerals, moon, igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic, highlands, lowlands, maria, basaltic lava, geologist, classification, origin, moon facts - Lava Layering
Students learn about the stratigraphy of lava flows produced by multiple eruptions.
Keywords: maria, basaltic lava, volcano, lava, eruption, geology, stratigraphy, channels, levees, lava layering
National Standards:
National Science Education Standards, NSTA
Earth and Space Science
• Earth in the solar system.
• Origin and evolution of the earth system.
• Structure of the earth system.
History and Nature of Science
• Science as a human endeavor.
Common Core State Standards for Mathematics, NCTM
Ratios and Proportional Relationships
• Analyze proportional relationships and use them to solve real-world and mathematical problems.
Expressions and Equations
• Understand the connections between proportional relationships, lines and linear equations.
ISTE NETS and Performance Indicators for Students, ISTE
Creativity and Innovation
• Apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas, products or processes.
Critical Thinking, Problem Solving and Decision Making
• Use multiple processes and diverse perspectives to explore alternative solutions.
Earth and Space Science
• Earth in the solar system.
• Origin and evolution of the earth system.
• Structure of the earth system.
History and Nature of Science
• Science as a human endeavor.
Common Core State Standards for Mathematics, NCTM
Ratios and Proportional Relationships
• Analyze proportional relationships and use them to solve real-world and mathematical problems.
Expressions and Equations
• Understand the connections between proportional relationships, lines and linear equations.
ISTE NETS and Performance Indicators for Students, ISTE
Creativity and Innovation
• Apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas, products or processes.
Critical Thinking, Problem Solving and Decision Making
• Use multiple processes and diverse perspectives to explore alternative solutions.