Teaching tools > Hubble Space Telescope > Overview: Hubble: A Lunar Prospecting Machine

Description:

Star Witness news story: Hubble: A Lunar Prospecting Machine explains how the Hubble Space Telescope was used to assist scientists in finding natural resources on the Moon. This information can be used to introduce the idea of using reflected light to identify different materials on the Moon's surface. This selection is an adaptation of the HubbleSite press release: NASA's Hubble Looks for Possible Moon Resources.

Format(s) available: Printer-friendly web page; also, downloadable PDF including story and images

Grades: 5-8, but the material can be adapted for use in other grades at the teacher’s discretion

Teachers can use Star Witness news story: Hubble: A Lunar Prospecting Machine as:

• A content reading selection. Teachers should discuss the meaning of unfamiliar vocabulary prior to having students read this selection.

• An engagement activity. Have students read the selection. Ask them how technology helped astronomers find resources on an unexplored part of the Moon.

• An inquiry tool. Propose a question, such as "Can the Apollo missions have an impact on today's science knowledge?" Have students read the selection and write down questions they would like answered as a result of the reading.

• A source of information. Have students read the selection. Conduct a class discussion using the questions associated with the reading to clarify student understanding and expand on the information provided.

Related materials

HubbleSite press release: NASA's Hubble Looks for Possible Moon Resources

Teaching tools > Hubble Space Telescope > Overview: Hubble: A Lunar Prospecting Machine