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Lesson plan; Space Exploration Day: Commemorating the Apollo 11 Moon Landing (July 20th)

Ann S. Michaelsen

Celebrating Space Exploration Day

Objective: Students will learn about space exploration, focusing on the Apollo 11 mission and its significance while exploring modern space exploration efforts and their potential future impact.

Historic Apollo 11 Moon Landing Footage: This video replay features commentary from the astronauts, mission control, and the narrator.

Restored Apollo 11 Moonwalk: Witness Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin’s iconic moonwalk on July 20, 1969. The video includes Armstrong’s famous words, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” 

Images of Apollo 11 Mission and Astronauts:

Introduction

  1. Begin with a quick “Think-Pair-Share” activity:
    • Ask students to think about what they know about space exploration
    • Have them share their thoughts with a partner
    • Invite a few pairs to share with the class
  2. Show the video clip of Neil Armstrong’s first steps on the moon

Historical Context (

  1. Look at the timeline of key space exploration milestones
  1. October 4, 1957: The Soviet Union launches Sputnik 1, the world’s first artificial Earth satellite.
  2. April 12, 1961: Yuri Gagarin becomes the first human in space, orbiting Earth aboard Vostok 1.
  3. July 20, 1969: Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin make the first lunar landing, with Armstrong’s iconic words: “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”
  4. April 19, 1971: The first space station, Salyut 1, is launched by the Soviet Union.
  5. November 2, 2000: The International Space Station (ISS) begins continuous human occupancy and remains active until at least 2024.
  1. Focus on the Apollo 11 mission:
    • Introduce the astronauts: Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins
    • Explain the mission’s objectives and challenges
    • Discuss the famous quote: “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind”
    • Share the fun fact about Armstrong’s intended words. See below. 

Interactive Activity: Moon Landing Simulation (20 minutes):

  1. Use an online moon landing simulator or a physical model. See the two below. 

Group Research: Divide students into small groups. Each group researches a different aspect of modern space exploration:

Group Presentations: Each group presents their findings to the class, focusing on:

Class Discussion : Engage students in a discussion about the future of space exploration:

Conclusion  Recap the importance of space exploration, its ongoing impact on our lives, and the potential for future discoveries.

Extension Activities:

  1. Write a short essay on “Why Space Exploration Matters”
  2. Design a mission patch for a future space mission
  3. Create a “Space Exploration” infographic highlighting key milestones and future goals

Assessment:

Neil Armstrong’s iconic words during the moon landing were supposed to be: “That’s one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.” However, due to the moment’s excitement, he omitted the word “a,” resulting in the famous phrase we know today. It’s a testament to the spontaneity and significance of that historic event! 🌕👨‍🚀

  1. Apollo Lunar Lander Simulator v2.1:

    • Visit the Apollo Archive’s Lunar Lander Simulator to experience controlling the lunar module’s descent to the moon’s surface. Use your fuel wisely and aim for a safe landing at a velocity no faster than 5 feet per second. If successful, you’ll receive a special message and photograph! 🚀🌕

  2. Eagle Lander 3D:

    • For an authentic experience, check out Eagle Lander 3D. It simulates Apollo lunar landings, including accurate scenery, flight dynamics, and the lunar module. Explore missions like Apollo 11, 12, 15, and 17, or even try an orbital flight! 🌏👨‍🚀

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