Humankind is ready to return to the Moon, and eventually go on to Mars. All we need is a new generation of space leaders, entrepreneurs, and explorers willing to take the leap. The first residents of the Moon and Mars are the students of today!
The Aldrin Family Foundation has partnered with STEM provider JASON Learning (JASON) to bring the excitement of space education to the next generation. The partnership, designed to enhance the educator experience both in-person and online, connects AFF with thousands of schools across the country through the integration of the Giant Mars/Moon Maps into JASON’s curriculum.
Below is a preview of the curriculum being offered through this partnership. If you are interested in learning more about how students can explore the past, present and future of space exploration with the Aldrin Family Foundation and JASON Learning, visit JASON.org or contact one of our team members.
Mission 1 – Exploring Space
Humankind is ready to return to the Moon and eventually go on to Mars. All we need is a new generation of space leaders, entrepreneurs, and explorers willing to take the leap. The First Residents of the Moon and Mars will be one of you! You are the next space explorers!
Introduction – But Why, Some Say, The Moon?
The lasting legacy of Apollo and humankind’s reach for the Moon was made possible thanks to a visionary U.S. President, John F. Kennedy. He understood what the perilous undertaking would involve. Even now, Kennedy’s provocative “moon speech,” given in September 1962 at Rice University in Texas, is exhilarating. What challenges were overcome? What sacrifices were made? What have we learned? What accomplishments are celebrated even today? Most importantly, who were the people that made it happen?
Lesson 1 – Our Place in Space
Humans look up at the sky in wonder every day. Who cannot help but notice the bright, warm Sun, the glowing Moon and the spectacular array of sparkling flecks of light in the nighttime sky? Today’s astronomers provide us with even more wondrous views of the sky using the eyes of technology. Our views and understanding of our place in space have inspired our stories, music and art across history. How have we come to know our place in space? What new unexpected things will we learn from astronomers and astronauts today, tomorrow or next week?
Lesson 2 – Full Moon
Earth’s Moon hangs there hovering like a celestial nightlight. It is our companion in gravitational lock. Our Moon speaks for itself in terms of its “get to know me” status. What is the relationship between the Earth, Moon and the Sun? Where did the Moon come from? What is the Moon really made of? Where should we set up residence?
Lesson 3 – The Red Planet
Thanks to a cadre of robotic craft, Mars has been flown by, orbited, crashed into, radar inspected, rocketed onto, as well as bounced upon, rolled over, shoveled, drilled into, baked and even laser blasted. We have learned so much and yet there is much more to learn about the Red Planet. Yet to come…being stepped on. Apollo 11 astronaut, Buzz Aldrin, is championing a plan to create a sustainable path to permanent inhabitation of Mars.
Conclusion – Space Program Spin-Offs
Humans’ insatiable desire to explore, imagine and create have allowed us to visit the Moon, explore our Universe and plan for a life off of our home planet Earth. Why is it important to invest in this exploration? How might the space program help us better understand and even improve life here on Earth? How have technologies created by those in the space industry changed our daily lives forever?