Introduction
In this lesson you introduce your students to the Target Moon mission. Raise student motivation and keep it high throughout the entire experience by setting the stage for your live simulation. Use the PowerPoint® presentation provided as a tool to introduce the scenario to your students. Your students will learn the context of the mission and the roles they will have on Mission Day.

Duration

10-15 minutes: Introduce the mission scenario

45 minutes: PowerPoint, vocabulary, team review, questions & discussion

Vocabulary

comet: a celestial body consisting of a solid nucleus surrounded by an envelope of dust and gass and having an elongated tail; revolves around the Sun.

diameter: a straight line segment through the center of a figure, especially a circle or sphere.

ejecta: debris that is kicked up by a comet when it impacts the Moon.

helium-3: used as a clean source for nuclear power generators.

ilmenite: a mineral used to extract oxygen and make jetpack propellants.

latitude: a distance north or south of the Earth’s equator measured in degrees on a map or globe.

longitude: a distance along Earth’s surface measured east or west from the prime meridian.

ZOPI: zone of probable impact; the region where there is a 95 percent probability that the comet will hit.

Materials

• “Mission Briefing” PowerPoint® presentation
• A computer connected to a projector to display the PowerPoint® presentation
• A screen for projecting the presentation

 

Teacher Preparation

1. Review the mission scenario and PowerPoint® to become oriented with the Target Moon mission.
2. Read and become familiar with the vocabulary section of this lesson.
3. Set up a computer, projector, and screen to present the PowerPoint.

 

Procedure

1. To get students thinking about the mission, ask the following questions:
   • What is a simulation? A simulation is an imitation of a real event that allows participants to experience an activity in a safe environment.
   • How are simulations used? Simulations are used to help people prepare for emergencies and to teach them how to react in real-life situations. In simulations people can make mistakes in a safe environment and learn from them.
   • What are some ways in which we can prepare for our simulation? Class members can practice the math skills they will encounter in the mission and practice the jobs they will have on Mission Day.
2. Introduce the vocabulary words to the students and discuss the meanings.
3. Show the PowerPoint presentation to your students.
4. Allow time for questions and discussion.

 

Discussion Tips
The main idea they should get from this lesson is that they are going to be part of a simulation that has a specific storyline. Discussion of the storyline will create the context for all of the facts and concepts to which they will be introduced.

Special Comments
This class is one of the most important in terms of student motivation. As the “movie director,” you set the scene, create the story, and help your “actors” prepare for their roles.