Class chart of items that students would bring with them to live on the moon

Model air filters stacked on top of each other

Students create a list of problems they might run into on the moon

Fast Plants in cups

Student creating a water filter with rocks, dirt, and a coffee filter

Students testing different water filters

Students test and observe the effectiveness of their water filter design.

A student watches on as his group creates a water filter

Students testing their water filters as a group

Scaled models of the earth and the moon sit in a homework bin

Earth and Moon models on top of an air filter box

Modeling the distance between the earth and moon

Student use a rocket to deliver supplies to their lunar colony.

Student samples of model rockets

Student test their model rocket in the hallway

Model rocket taking off in the hallway

Student recording observations

Students raise their “true” signs to indicate that a lunar fact is true.

Students show their “true” signs to indicate another true lunar fact.

A student adds to a list of moon facts

Students use their models to simulate the movement of the Earth and moon and the sun to determine if there is “dark side” of the moon.

Students observe the effect of different balls on a piece of spandex in order to better understand the gravitation field

Students explore the effect of various types of balls on a piece of spandex in order to understand gravitational fields

Students discuss the pros and cons of a lunar colony, which are written on chart paper

Student planning of the protective spacesuit

Close-up of a student testing the protective spacesuit in the vacuum chamber

Students check the protective suits in the vacuum chamber

Students design and create a spacesuit made of aluminum foil, tape, and other materials to protect a marshmallow astronaut.

Students sketch the layout and components of their lunar colony.

Students decide to include a shuttle to their colony for transportation.

Students work to ensure their final presentation is ready for the Showcase

A student works to improve her lunar colony in advance of the final Showcase.

Students work together to set up their lunar colony for the showcase

Students present their group’s lunar colony

Close-up of part of a final lunar colony, including astronauts an a U.S. flag.

Example of a finalized lunar colony

Example of a final lunar colony