On the Moon Activity Guide

Written in collaboration with NASA, this guide has six activities that bring engineering and NASA's moon missions to life. Two activities—Launch It and Touchdown—are for grades 3-8 (and work well at events). Three activities—Roving on the Moon, Heavy Lifting, and On Target—are for grades 6-12. One activity—Feel the Heat—is for grades 9-12.

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You may download the entire ON THE MOON activity guide or the sections listed below. Please note that we offer a 508-compliant version of each PDF for use with screen readers.

Complete Guide

Download Complete Guide PDF (5.3MB)
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Cover, Welcome Letter, Credits

Download Cover, Welcome Letter, Credits PDF (1.2MB)
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Activity Guide Introductory Material

Download Activity Guide Introductory Material PDF (1.1MB)
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Contents:

• Why Have NASA and Design Squad Teamed Up?
• Introducing the Design Process
• How to Use this Guide
• Going to the Moon with NASA
• Talking with Kids about Engineering
• Online Resources from NASA and Design Squad

Content Standards

The challenges in this guide correspond to the National Science Education Standards, the International Technology Education Association Content Standards, the Massachusetts Science and Technology/Education Standards, and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Standards.
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Challenge 1: Launch It

Design an air-powered rocket that can hit a distant target.
Leader Notes and Activity Sheet Download PDF (976K)
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Activity Sheet Download PDF (944K)
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Challenge 2: Touchdown

Create a platform that can safely cushion "astronauts" when they land on a table near you.
Leader Notes and Activity Sheet Download PDF (1,000K)
508-compliant PDF (1.9MB)
Activity Sheet Download PDF (988K)
508-compliant PDF (1.8MB)

Challenge 3: Roving the Moon

Build a rubber band-powered car that can scramble across the room.
Leader Notes and Activity Sheet Download PDF (980K)
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Activity Sheet Download PDF (936K)
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Challenge 4: Heavy Lifting

Build a cardboard crane and see how heavy a load it can lift.
Leader Notes and Activity Sheet Download PDF (1,016K)
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Activity Sheet Download PDF (988K)
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Challenge 5: On Target

Modify a paper cup so it can zip down a line and drop a marble on a target.
Leader Notes Download PDF (988K)
508-compliant PDF (1.9MB)
Activity Sheet Download PDF (948K)
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Challenge 6: Feel the Heat

Heat things up by building a solar hot water heater.
Leader Notes Download PDF (940K)
508-compliant PDF (1.9MB)
Activity Sheet Download PDF (908K)
508-compliant PDF (1.6MB)