Back to Artemis II – Unit 1: Understanding the Mission and the Moon
Artemis ROADS II – Unit 1 Lesson 4: Comparing the Earth and the Moon
In this lesson: Students will begin by activating prior knowledge of Earth’s four major spheres or systems (atmosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere), then closely examine examples of interactions between these systems. Then, students will apply these ideas to the Moon and compare Earth’s four systems to the Moon’s spheres.
Lesson Level Question: How do the Earth and the Moon compare?
Engage
Students will create models (diagrams) to demonstrate what they think they know about the four major Earth systems (biosphere, atmosphere, geosphere, and hydrosphere).
Explore
Students will work in small groups to examine various ways that Earth systems interact, sorting them based on which systems are interacting. Then, they will focus on interactions that involve their two assigned systems.
Explain
Each group will share out about the interactions that involve their two spheres. The teacher will moderate a whole class discussion about any areas of confusion or disagreement.
Elaborate
Students will investigate the target body for this year’s challenge and create a model (diagram) of the major systems present on this diagram.
Evaluate
Students will compare and contrast the Moon and the Earth.
Extend (optional)
Students will expand on the interaction list from the “Engage” portion of the lesson.
Standards Alignment
Each lesson includes standards alignment information for the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Many lessons also include information on alignment opportunities for: CCSS Mathematics, CCSS English, WA State Learning Standards in Computer Science, WA State Standards in Social Emotional Learning.
In these documents, you will find an alignment summary, followed by details for each lesson: