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In this activity, learners investigate the Moon's infancy and model how an ocean of molten rock (magma) helped shape the Moon that we see today. Learners create a simple model of this process by mixing household items of different densities in a bottle and allowing to them to settle into separate layers. Learners decide which materials make the best model for the infant Moon. Learners may examine a type of Earth rock (named anorthosite) that is also found on the Moon and that would have been shaped by the processes explored here.
This activity station is part of a sequence of stations that can be set up to help learners trace the Moon's 4.5-billion-year history from "infancy" to the imagined future. Learners tie together major events in the Moon's geologic history as a series of comic panels in their Marvel Moon comic books.
This activity station is part of a sequence of stations that can be set up to help learners trace the Moon's 4.5-billion-year history from "infancy" to the imagined future. Learners tie together major events in the Moon's geologic history as a series of comic panels in their Marvel Moon comic books.
- 10 to 30 minutes
- 10 to 30 minutes
- Over $20 per group of students
- Ages 8 - 14
- Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan, Model
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per group of students)
- butcher paper, newspapers, or disposable table cloths for the activity area (optional)
- 5 (8 oz.) unopened, clear plastic water bottles with the labels removed
- A selection of at least three of the following items that sink in water, each placed in a container: 1/2 cup (nearly 1/2 pound) small aquarium gravel, 1/2 cup buttons, 1/2 cup dried navy beans, 1/2 cup marbles, 1/2 cup sequins, 1 cup pancake syrup in its bottle with pour spout
- A selection of at least three of the following items that float in water, each placed in a container: 1/2 cup coffee stirrers (i.e. small straws) cut into 1/4" sections, 1 dry sponge cut into (1/4"x1/4") pieces, 1/2 cup pony beads, 1/2 cup small Lego® pieces (1x1 bricks), 1/2 cup wooden beads, 1/2 cup vegetable oil in its bottle with pour spout
- 1 (32–oz.) bottle of light corn syrup (optional but recommended)
- 2 clear cups
- 1 handheld, wire mesh sieve
- 1 cup water
- scissors (optional)
- 1 (1–quart) bag for creating coffee stirrer sections (optional)
- 1 funnel
- Towel for cleaning up spills
- wet wipes (optional)
- pitcher or bucket for collecting unwanted water (optional)
- 1 sample of Earth anorthosite
- Moon Map: Lunar Highlands
- Infant Moon: Moon Mix! station sign
- Infant Moon: Moon Mix! children's guide
- Art materials, such as colored pencils, crayons, and markers
- Infant Moon comic panels
- Marvel Moon comic books
- Binder clips
- Access to water
- 1 permanent marker
- Pens or pencils
Subjects
-
Earth and Space Science
-
Astronomy
- Origins of Universe
-
Earth Processes
- Volcanoes and Plate Tectonics
-
Earth Structure
- Rocks and Minerals
-
Earth's History
- Geologic Time
-
Solar System
- The Moon
- Origin of Solar System
-
Astronomy
-
Physical Sciences
-
Structure and Properties of Matter
- Mass and Weight
- Volume and Density
-
Structure and Properties of Matter
-
The Nature of Science
-
The Scientific Process
- Conducting Investigations
-
The Scientific Process
Informal Categories
- Model Building
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- see color
- read
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves teamwork and communication skills
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
Components that are part of this resource:
Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:
This resource is part of:
- Lunar and Planetary Institute Educator Resources
- Explore! Marvel Moon
- Growing up Moon (activity series)
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
Rights:
Funding Sources:
- NASA Lunar Science Institute
- Center for Lunar Origins and Evolution