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Our November 4th (1st Tues of the month) meeting will be held at Nopone Community Center at 12:40. Please rsvp early for this event. Lesson Overview
This class explores the Moon’s surface, its craters, and the phases of the Moon through hands-on activities, creative crafts, and outdoor experiments. Students will learn how craters form, observe the Moon’s changing appearance, and engage in interactive projects that connect science with creativity.
Learning Objectives
-Understand the physical characteristics of the Moon’s surface.
-Explain how craters are formed by impacts.
-Identify and describe the phases of the Moon.
-Apply scientific observation and experimentation skills.
Lesson Outline
1. Introduction to the Moon
For the lesson, Mrs. Collins will discuss key facts about the Moon: its size, distance from Earth, and lack of atmosphere. The group will examine images of the Moon’s surface and identify visible craters and maria (dark plains). The goal is to be able to explain how craters are formed by meteor impacts and why they remain visible for millions of years.
2. Themed Snack: Oreo Moon Phases
We will twist apart the cookies and use the cream filling to represent the different phases of the Moon: new moon, crescent, quarter, gibbous, and full moon. After, we will arrange the cookies in order to show the Moon’s cycle.
3. Craft Activity: Create a Personal Moon Scene
Materials provided: aluminum foil, black paper, white paint, glue, and optional art supplies.
Each student will use this time to create their own personal Moon scene using a variety of materials. Foil can be used to create texture on paint scenes. Creativity will be encouraged as studetns add stars, astronoauts, or rockets to complete their scene.
4. Outdoor Experiment: Marble Crater Test
Materials provided: pan of flour, marbles, measuring tape, and ruler. For this lab students will drop marbles from different heights into the flour to simulate meteor impacts. We will measure and record crater diameters to observe how drop height affects crater size. After we will discuss how this experiment models real crater formation on the Moon.
5. Take-Home Activity: Moon Observation Sheet
Each student will receive a Moon observation sheet to record the Moon’s phase each night for 30 days.
6. Optional Extension: Nopone Trail Walk
For interested students and families, take a walk along the Nopone Trail. The trail forms a flat circle around the field to the left of Nopone, providing a real-world connection to the Moon’s orbit around Earth.
Conclusion
Through exploration, creativity, and experimentation, students gain a deeper understanding of the Moon’s surface, its craters, and its phases. This lesson combines science, art, and observation to inspire curiosity about Earth’s closest celestial neighbor.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
North Hall Community Park, Triumph Fitness, Nopone Rd, Gainesville, GA 30506, United States
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