24. Apollo Spacecraft

Purpose

To learn about aspects of the Apollo program and lunar exploration.

Materials

Apollo spacecraft pattern

Cardboard paper tube

Scissors

Crayons or markers

Glue

Background

There were ten Apollo flights to the moon with six lunar landings. On July 20, 1969, Apollo 11 landed on the moon and Neil Armstrong became the first of twelve Americans to walk on the moon. Each three-man Apollo crew occupied a conical command module about 11.5 feet tall and 13 feet in diameter at the base, where the heat shield would be located. For most of the mission it was docked with a 14 foot long service module, carrying a propulsion motor, fuel cells and other equipment. Together they formed the CSM (Command and service Module), the Apollo mother ship.

This activity

Students will construct a simple model of the Apollo spacecraft to learn about one aspect of early lunar exploration. This activity is simple enough that even very young students will not have difficulty.

Preparation

Supplies will need to be collected. Bathroom tissue rolls work well for this activity.

In class

Each student receives an Apollo pattern and cardboard paper roll to assemble the spacecraft. Glue sticks work best when attaching the pattern to the cardboard roll.

Extension

Students can be encouraged to write a story about a lunar adventure.

Reference

Young Astronaut Council, The Adventure Series, "Returning to the Moon", 1988.

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