Survival on the Moon 
An Exercise for 9th Grade Earth Science

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   Inform your students that this is an exercise originated by NASA.  Students should work on the list together in groups of three (crews).  Crews could be named and a competition for the best survival score encouraged.  After sufficient time has been given to complete sections A and B of the exercise, each crews' item rank should be listed on the chalkboard and there should be a class discussion on the reasons for the rankings.  Then, have the crews complete the remaining sections of the exercise followed by a discussion of these sections.  A printable version of the Survival on the Moon exercise worksheet is available here - .

Answers to Worksheet (Reasons for rank are those provided by NASA)

1. Two 50-kg tanks of oxygen (for breathing)
2. 20 L of water (replenish body loss)
3. Star Chart (principal means of finding direction)
4. Four packages of food concentrate (daily food requirements)
5. Solar-powered radio (signaling and receiving)
6. 20 m nylon rope (climbing, securing packs, etc.)
7. First-aid kit (injury or sickness)
8. Large piece of insulating fabric (shelter from sun)
9. Three signal flares (location marker when in sight of base ship)
10. Two 45-caliber pistols (useful as propulsion devices)
11. Case of dehydrated milk (nutrition source)
12. Portable heating unit (useful only on dark side of the moon)
13. Flashlight (useful only on dark side of the moon)
14. Magnetic compass (useless since moon has no magnetic poles)
15. Box of matches (little or no use on moon)

Answers to Questions:

1. See 1,2, and 3 of the previous list.
2. See 13, 14, and 15 of the previous list.
3. Answers will vary.
4. Answers will vary.
5. Answers will vary.
6. Answers will vary.

Conclusions:

1. The moon lacks oxygen, water, and food.
2. In order to survive on the moon, you would need a supply of oxygen, water, and food.

Click on the printer icon for a printable version of the exercise answers. -  

Credits:

www.nasa.gov/
www.bestanimations.com
www.animationfactory.com
www.dgl.microsoft.com/
www2.flamingtext.com/

Author: Patrick Gallagher
Last Updated: Jul-06