Social Studies

Lesson Two: Production of the lunar relief map project
Days 7 & 8

Objectives:
Students will be able to:

Work cooperatively in groups on assigned tasks
Understand the topography of the landing area of the lunar surface
Have fun working with their hands

Materials:

 box of newspapers
scissors
extra cardboard
2 bottles of liquid starch
several cardboard  24 pack soda boxes with 3” walls
assorted tempera or acrylic paints
popsicle sticks
tooth picks
2 large 8’ multi-purpose tables
several copies of the topographical map of the area where the Eagle landed in 1969

Introduction:

Each group will meet for a brief time to plan their strategy for the day’s session.  While the groups are meeting, the instructor will get the materials set out on the tables around the large box that will serve as the base for the papier-mâché lunar surface.

Activities: (the following steps will take at least 2 sessions)

1. All groups but one will continue to cut several strips of newspaper.  These strips along with the liquid starch will serve as the papier-mâché layering over the cardboard.
2. One group will be in charge of constructing a three-dimensional model of the Eagle, and a U.S. flag using the extra cardboard, popsicle sticks, and toothpicks.
3. Some members of each group will study the contours and elevations of the lunar surface and will coordinate their findings with members of the other groups to decide where to lay their layers of cardboard on the base.
4. Glue the contour cardboard pieces into designated places on cardboard base.
5. Each group will then take the strips of newspaper and pull them through basins of liquid starch.  Apply several layers of strips onto the cardboard contours.  The wet strips will adhere to the cardboard contours.  It is best to apply a couple of layers and let dry before applying more layers.

Closure/Evaluation:

Duties for the next few days of work on the relief map will be discussed.
Each student will keep a journal of each day’s work.  At the end of each period of time that they work on the project, the student will write a couple of sentences describing their contributions and progress on the project.