Activity on United States Moon Landing:

Apollo 11

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Subject Area: History

Grade Level: 9-12

National History Standards:

• Analyze knowledge as a collection of selected facts and interpretations based on a particular historical or social setting. 
• Use geographical knowledge and images of various places to understand the present, communicate historical interpretations, develop solutions for problems, and plan for the future.

National Technology Standards:

• Technology Research Tools - Select and apply technology tools for research, information analysis, problem-solving, and decision-making in content learning.
• Technology Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Tools - Routinely and efficiently use on-line information resources to meet needs for collaboration, research, publications, communications, and productivity.

Objectives:

• After reading the explanation given below, use the World Wide Web to access additional information needed to complete a set of questions.
• Demonstrate an understanding of latitude and longitude by interpreting a lunar map.
• Draw conclusions regarding the importance of different materials necessary for a lunar voyage.

As World War II ended, it was becoming evident that the relations between the United States and the Soviet Union were increasingly strained. This marked the beginning of what would be called the Cold War. With the advancements made by the Soviets in space exploration resulting in their successful launching of a Sputnik in 1957, the United States felt threatened and concerned that there was a "missile gap." As a result of U.S. concern, the government took several actions to bolster U.S. performance in science and mathematics. In addition, the government created NASA through the National Aeronautics and Space Act (1958) to focus our country's resources to catch and surpass the Soviets' space program. In 1961, John F. Kennedy spoke of putting a man on the moon by the end of the decade. This task fell largely in the hands of NASA.

You will examine a portion of that story by reviewing a reading selection about the first successful moon landing and answering questions about it. You will also be asked to locate sites on the moon and evaluate the types of materials and supplies that would be necessary for the voyage. Click Lunar Problem Set to begin the Moon Landing Activity. When you have read the questions, view the selection about the first moon landing by clicking Apollo 11 and answer the questions found in Lunar Problem Set.

Footprint on moon's surface

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Assessment:

You, or you and your partner(s), will be evaluated on the feasibility or accuracy of your answers.

Evaluation:

You will be able to use the Internet to access information and use that information to evaluate the inherent difficulties in planning and implementing a lunar landing. Additionally, you will demonstrate the ability to calculate longitude and latitude by using a lunar map.

Submitted by:

Virginia Wendling, Olmsted Falls High School, Olmsted Falls, Ohio