Lesson Plan 6: Mission Day

Introduction
This lesson will guide you in implementing the live simulation on Mission Day. In the mission a comet is heading toward the moon. Working together, the student teams have to determine if the comet will hit the moon, when this might occur, where the impact will be, and how powerful the impact will be. All of this information will help Mission Control determine possible emergency plans for the astronauts on the lunar base.

Duration

75-90 minutes

Vocabulary

None

Materials

• One computer per team connected to the Internet (Moon Mapping Team has the option of using two computers)

• Videoconferencing unit

• Copies of instructions, worksheets, reference guide, maps and report forms for each team.

• Pencils

• Calculators

• Scrap paper

Teacher Preparation

1. Use your videoconferencing unit to test connect with the Challenger Learning Center at least one week before Mission Day.

2. Make sure you have arranged the classroom for Mission Day. See the document called “How to Set up the Classroom” in the Mission Day section of the web site for a diagram and instructions.

3. Print the table tents for the team tables so that students can easily identify each team during the mission.

4. Print and copy instructions, worksheets, reference guide, maps and report forms for each team.

Procedure

1. Students should review their team instructions before Mission Day.

2. Students should organize their work stations.

3. Connect to the CLC. The Mission Commander will provide instructions. Student communicators will provide information to the Mission Commander.

4. Students participate in the live event.

5. After the mission and debriefing session, you can provide additional time for students to recount their mission experience. There might not be enough time during the debriefing itself for them to share their thoughts and feelings.

Discussion Tips
The students should be ready to fully participate in the simulation. You may want to be available to help your students, but you should avoid rushing in to solve problems they could solve with time. Problem solving and teamwork are important and valuable parts of the simulation experience, and students often need to work with minimal teacher support to develop these skills.

Special Comments
Make sure you have arranged the classroom before the mission and checked on all technical requirements well before Mission Day. Have all materials and handouts ready for each team along with extra pencils, erasers, and calculators. Use table tents to identify each team so students can easily find the specific teams during the mission.

Once the mission has begun, the Mission Commander will take over the class. It is now time for you to sit back, relax and enjoy watching all of your hard work pay off.