Audience
Educators
Grade Levels
Grades 5-8
Subject
Mathematics, Measurement and Data Analysis
Type
Educator Guides, Lesson Plans / Activities
In the future humans may live and work on the moon for weeks or even months. Energy and power will make it possible to travel to and live on the lunar surface. Humans must choose the appropriate energy source and technological means to produce that power. In this unit of 5E (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate/Extend, Evaluate) lessons, aligned to national education standards, students learn the differences between Earth and the moon; the limitations and constraints of living on the moon; and which type of energy sources would be suitable for a lunar habitat. At the conclusion of the unit, students design and build two- and three-dimensional models of a lunar colony and present their design to their classmates. Student sheets and rubrics are included.
Lunar Colonization – Energy and Power [12MB PDF file]
More Guides in the Human Exploration Project Series
Elementary
Moon Munchies – Lunar Plant Growth Chamber (Grades K-4)
Moon Power – Energy and Power (Grades 1-5)
Middle School
Packing Up for the Moon – Lunar Plant Growth Chamber (Grades 5-8)
Creating a Space Exploration Infrastructure – Transportation (Grade 7)
Space Transportation: Reshooting the Moon – Transportation (Grade 8)
High School
Engineering Design for Human Exploration – Energy and Power (Grades 9-12)
Lunar Plant Growth Chamber (Grades 9-12)
NASA: Moving Cargo – Transportation (Grade 9)
Transportation and Space: Reuse and Recycle – Transportation (Grades 10-12)