You may not be able to take a field trip to the moon, but that doesn't mean your class can't study moon rocks. Using graham crackers as the moon's bedrock and powdered donuts as micrometeorites, young scientists simulate the creation of regolith on the moon's surface, studying the resulting material and making connections with geological processes on other planets.

Concepts

the moon, moon exploration, meteorites, astronomy, space exploration, outer space, the solar system, geology

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Use this lesson to engage children in an upper elementary lesson series on the moon
• Extend the lesson by having the class investigate the impact of meteorites on the earth

Classroom Considerations

• Students will be tempted by the graham crackers and donuts, so be clear that the materials are not to be eaten
• Create a sample of the experiment to visually support children with the process

Pros

• English and Spanish versions of the lesson plan, video, and student worksheets are provided
• The scientific method is explicitly addressed throughout the experiment
• Clear step-by-step instructions are provided for the experiment
• Ideas are offered for making cross-curricular connections with math and English language arts

Cons

• None

Common Core

SL.3.1.a SL.3.2 SL.4.1.a SL.4.2 SL.5.1.a SL.5.2 SL.6.1.a SL.6.2