Activity on United States Moon
Subject Area: History
Grade Level: 9-12
National History Standards:
- Analyze knowledge as a collection of selected facts and
interpretations based on a particular historical or social
- Use geographical knowledge and images of various places to
understand the present, communicate historical interpretations,
develop solutions for problems, and plan for the future.
National Technology Standards:
- Technology Research Tools - Select and apply technology
tools for research, information analysis, problem-solving, and
decision-making in content learning.
- Technology Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Tools -
Routinely and efficiently use on-line information resources to
meet needs for collaboration, research, publications,
communications, and productivity.
- After reading the explanation given below, use the World Wide
Web to access additional information needed to complete a set of
- Demonstrate an understanding of latitude and longitude by
interpreting a lunar map.
- Draw conclusions regarding the importance of different
materials necessary for a lunar voyage.
As World War II ended, it was becoming evident that the relations
between the United States and the Soviet Union were increasingly
strained. This marked the beginning of what would be called the Cold
War. With the advancements made by the Soviets
in space exploration resulting in their successful launching of a
Sputnik in 1957, the United States felt threatened and concerned that
there was a "missile gap." As a result of U.S. concern, the
government took several actions to bolster U.S. performance in
science and mathematics. In addition, the government created NASA
through the National Aeronautics and Space Act (1958) to focus our
country's resources to catch and surpass the Soviets' space program.
In 1961, John F. Kennedy spoke of putting a man on the moon by the
end of the decade. This task fell largely in the hands of NASA.
You will examine a portion of that story by reviewing a reading
selection about the first successful moon landing and answering
questions about it. You will also be asked to locate sites on the
moon and evaluate the types of materials and supplies that would be
necessary for the voyage. Click Lunar
Activity to begin the Moon Landing Activity. When you have
read the questions, view the selection about the first moon landing
Apollo 11 and answer the questions found in Lunar
Footprint on moon's surface
You, or you and your partner(s), will be evaluated on the
feasibility or accuracy of your answers.
You will be able to use the Internet to access
information and use that information to evaluate the inherent
difficulties in planning and implementing a lunar landing.
Additionally, you will demonstrate the ability to calculate
longitude and latitude by using a lunar map.
Virginia Wendling, Olmsted Falls High School, Olmsted