Class Moon activities - Week 2

As a part of our course we are discussing and evaluation lunar related activities. Below is an analysis of the activities so far and a link to them.



Activity – Sense(s) of Scale (100 yard Solar System/Oreos)
Grade 6 Sky Science Unit – Alberta Program of Studies
General Learning outcome
Students will:
6–7 Observe, describe and interpret the movement of objects in the sky; and identify pattern and order in these movements.
Specific Learning outcome
12. Understand that Earth, the Sun and the Moon are part of a solar system that occupies only a tiny part of the known universe.

Activity – Solar System Bracelet/Solar System Bracelet – Modified
Grade 9 Unit E: Space Exploration
General Outcome
Investigate and describe ways that human understanding of Earth and space has depended on technological development
Specific Outcome
describe, in general terms, the distribution of matter in star systems, galaxies, nebulae and the universe as a whole

This may be a little ‘elementary’ for grade 9 students but some may think it is neat. It’s a creative way to have them remember the order of the planets and the relative distances form each.

Activity – The Moon’s Density – What’s Inside
Grade 10 Applied Mathematics
General Outcome
Demonstrate an understanding of scale factors and their interrelationship with the dimensions of similar shapes and objects.
Specific Outcome
-Calculate the volume and surface area of a sphere, using formulas that are provided.

Activity – Beach/Basketball Planets and The Earth and Moon to Scale
Grade 10 Applied Mathematics
General Outcome
Demonstrate an understanding of scale factors and their interrelationship with the dimensions of similar shapes and objects.
Specific Outcome
1.6 Determine the relationships among linear scale factors, areas, surface areas and volumes of similar figures and objects.

These problems would work great at this level and provide the students with an interesting context in which to address the required outcome.

Activity – The Mass of the Moon
Physics 20 – Unit C Circular Motion
General Outcome
Students will explain that gravitational effects extend throughout the universe.
explain circular motion, using Newton’s laws of motion.
Specific Outcome
describe, qualitatively and quantitatively, Newton’s law of universal gravitation predict the mass of a celestial body from the orbital data of a satellite in uniform circular motion around the celestial body

This activity is not new to me and I have used this problem before and will continue to use it in the future. I would modify it by expecting my students to draw a free-body diagram when answering the problem.

Activity – Passport to the Moon
Science 9 – Unit E Space Exploration
General Outcome
Describe and interpret the science of optical and radio telescopes, space probes and remote sensing technologies
Specific Outcome
explain, in general terms, the operation of optical telescopes, including telescopes that are positioned in space environments

This activity could be used as an introduction activity that engaged the students interests in the technology available to study space related phenomena. It could be modified to use a telescope instead of a set of binoculars and their descriptive observations could be noted in a journal and shared with the class. A discussion can ensue that focuses on the technologies used and how our observations are better (usually) if the technology is improved.

Activity – Geometry of Golf Ball Phases and Eclipses and Golf Ball Phases and Embroidery hoop Eclipses
Science 9 – Unit E Space Exploration
General Outcome
Observe, describe and interpret the movement of objects in the sky; and identify pattern and order in these movements.
Specific Outcome
Recognize that the Moon’s phases are regular and predictable, and describe the cycle of its phases.
Illustrate the phases of the Moon in drawings and by using improvised models. An improvised model might involve such things as a table lamp and a sponge ball.