From Earth to the Moon: Newman Third and Fourth Graders Explore Lunar Science and Engineering

How do astronauts land safely on the Moon? What would it take to live and work there? And how do engineers build a rocket that can reach another world? These questions are driving a lunar science and engineering unit in Newman’s third grade and fourth grade science classes.

Students began by exploring how the Moon formed and what its surface is made of. They learned about and studied craters, maria (the dark plains formed by ancient lava), and the bright, rugged highlands found on Earth's only natural satellite. They compared the Moon’s weaker gravity with Earth’s gravity. Through readings, discussions, research, and hands-on investigations, they are learning why the Moon is such a challenging place to explore.

 

A highlight so far has been studying lunar regolith, the loose, dusty layer that blankets the Moon’s surface. Thanks to our partners at NASA’s Astro Camp and School Collaborative, students received regolith samples to examine up close. Unlike soil on Earth, regolith contains no organic material. It is made of tiny fragments of rock, minerals, and glass-like particles, created over billions of years as meteorites pounded the surface. Its particles are fine, sharp, and clingy, which makes them hard on spacesuits, seals, and machinery. Understanding this material matters as NASA prepares to send astronauts back to the Moon. Students quickly discovered that solving these problems takes scientists and engineers working together.

Next, students will become aerospace engineers. They will explore Newton’s laws of motion and learn how thrust, gravity, air resistance, and other forces shape a rocket’s flight. Using the Engineering Design Process, they will design, build, test, and improve their own air-powered rockets. The unit ends with launch day at the Newman Spaceport, where students will aim their rockets for our model Moon. They will record flight data, evaluate what worked, and use the evidence to improve their designs.

The project weaves together planetary science, physical science, engineering, and creativity. Just as important, it teaches students to ask questions, take on hard problems, and learn from launches that don’t go as planned, the same way real scientists and engineers do. At Newman, our third and fourth graders aren’t just learning about the Moon. They are getting ready to explore it, one investigation and one launch at a time.