We Are the Artemis Generation: Phases of the Moon
As members of the Artemis generation, students will have many opportunities to support NASA's current endeavor in human spaceflight: returning to the Moon to build upon Project Apollo's considerable legacy. While the first female and next male astronauts begin training for their walk on the Moon's surface in 2024, the next generation of NASA explorers can follow along every step of the way. In learning more about Earth's nearest neighbor and its phases, both scientifically and in a culturally responsive manner, you are preparing yourselves to play a role in NASA's next giant leap forward: a manned mission to Mars during the 2030s.
Badge Objectives
The objectives of this badge are to provide you with:
- information about NASA's Apollo and Artemis mission programs,
- an appreciation for humankind's long-standing interest in the Moon across all cultures,
- definitions and illustrations of all eight [8] phases of the Moon, and
- NASA educational activities that model your mastery of lunar phases.
Intended Audience: K-8 students
Time Required: ~2 hours
Relevant National Standards (for your teacher)
- Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS ESS1 [Earth's Place in the Universe])
- Common Core State Standards (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.3.2, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.5.9, and CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.6.9)
NASA Activity Materials Needed (Choose one option; you will need to have an adult help you)
- Draw/Illustrate Your Own Story about Moon Faces (Phases) Activity (Grades K-4): Crayons, colored pencils or markers; paper or poster board
- Keep A Moon Journal Activity Links to an external site. (Grades K-8): Moon Journal worksheet (see module for file download) and a pencil
- Show off Your Moon Phases Activity Links to an external site. (Grades 5-8): One [1] pencil or wooden stick; one [1] white Styrofoam(R) ball (five-[5]-centimeter diameter or larger), and a light source (e.g., a lamp [shade removed] with a bright, clear, incandescent bulb [rated 100-watts or higher])
Companion Educator Badge: Not applicable