5 News-O-Matic Articles for Teaching About the History of Moon Exploration
Your students may already know that the Moon is Earth’s nearest neighbor. Perhaps they even know a lot about the science of the Moon, such as its origin and landscape. But what about the history behind Moon exploration? And the experiences of the Moon astronauts themselves? These News-O-Matic articles draw upon historical context, interviews with astronauts, and conversations with people who lived during the height of Moon exploration to teach students about the “giant leap for mankind.”
Big Win in the Space Race
In the mid-20th century, the United States and the Soviet Union (USSR) were locked in a competition that came to be known as the “space race.” This article provides some historical context for why these two countries were motivated to be the first to explore outer space. It also discusses major milestones in space exploration, such as Yuri Gagarin’s flight and the first Moon landing.
Man on the Moon!
In 1969, the Apollo 11 mission made its landing on the Moon. This article details the moment that astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin first stepped foot on the Moon’s surface. It also includes photos and video footage of this historic event.
Where Were You When…?
About 600 million people saw the Moon landing on TV on July 20, 1969. They included millions of kids who stayed up late to watch. In this article, News-O-Matic asked a few people who watched the Moon landing as kids what it meant to them and what its impact was.
Moon Man Comes Home
Before Buzz Aldrin was an American hero who walked on the surface of the Moon, he was a normal kid who walked through the halls of his middle school. This article shares the former astronaut’s return to his childhood home of Montclair, New Jersey, and how the city honored him in a special way.
Answers from an Apollo Astronaut!
On October 11, 1968, NASA launched the first manned mission of the Apollo program — Apollo 7. Walter Cunningham is the only living crew member from the mission, which flew for 11 days around the Earth. To share that moment in history, Walter Cunningham answered questions from News-O-Matic readers in this article, “Answers from an Apollo Astronaut!”
News-O-Matic frequently publishes stories about topics related to planetary science, space exploration, and world history. Explore more News-O-Matic articles by signing up for a free pilot or requesting a quote for your classroom.