Activities
Interdisciplinary ideas for International Observe the Moon Night. These activities are suitable for a variety of age groups and adaptable for use with whatever materials you have available. Feel free to adjust them to better meet the needs of your participants or audience!
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Sketch the Moon Together!
Spend the next month getting to know the Moon. Set aside some time each day to look at the Moon, and record your observations in the log provided here.
Time: One month
Recommended age: All ages
Group size: Any
Suggested materials: Printed or digital copy of Moon Observation Journal, writing utensil or editing app
Related resources: NASA's Daily Moon Guide, Moon in Motion: Phases, Moon Phase and Libration, STEMonstrations: Moon Phases
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Artemis II: Observe the Moon Like an Astronaut
Observe the Moon like an Artemis II astronaut! In this activity, you’ll use images from NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter to spot lunar craters, mountains, and more. Along the way, you'll discover how NASA is getting ready to send people to the lunar surface.
Time: 2-5 minutes (per participant)
Recommended age: All ages
Group size: Individual
Suggested materials: Moon Image Cards, Lunar Feature ID Guide, Lunar Log Cards, Labeled Moon Map, Activity Table Sign, Pencils, Certified Artemis II Moon Observer Badges (optional), spyglass/pirate telescope (optional), Orion cardboard/paper window cutout (optional)
Related resources: Join the Artemis Mission to the Moon, Moonbound: For All Humanity, Artemis II Science, Artemis II Crew Talks about the Moon
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Moon-Inspired Artwork
Make Moon-related art (in any medium). Share your lunar artwork in the International Observe the Moon Night Flickr group and on social media using #ObserveTheMoon.
Time: Varies
Recommended age: All ages
Group size: Any
Suggested materials: Any
Related resources: “Moon As Art” Collection, Get Inspired with Moon-Themed Interactives
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Classifying Moon Rocks
Put your lunar geologist knowledge and skills to the test! Learn about the history and evolution of the Moon, Moon rocks and more. Earn a badge of completion as you apply the skills you develop to classify Moon rocks.
Time: Varies
Recommended age: 8+ years old
Group size: Any
Suggested materials: Device with access to the internet
Related resources: Get Inspired with Moon-Themed Interactives, Astromaterials 3D Lunar Collection
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Artemis Drawing and Coloring Sheet Collection
Let your creativity shine with these Artemis-themed drawing and coloring sheets, featuring NASA’s SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and space exploration scenes.
Time: Varies
Recommended age: All ages
Group size: Any
Suggested materials: Printed copy of drawing/coloring sheet, coloring utensils
Related resources: Hooray for SLS! Activities, Learn How to Draw Artemis, Join the Artemis Mission to the Moon
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NASA Science Quest: Moon Rock Edition
In this jeopardy-style game, you'll be quizzed on topics related to Moon rocks and NASA's missions to the Moon. Challenge yourself to earn the highest score!
Time: Varies
Recommended age: 8+ years old
Group size: Any
Suggested materials: Device with access to the internet
Related resources: Get Inspired with Moon-Themed Interactives, NASA Explorers: Moon Rocks
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How Far Away Is the Moon?
Explore the vast distance between Earth and the Moon through this hands-on scale model activity.
Time: <5 minutes
Recommended age: All ages
Group size: At least 3 people
Suggested materials: Basketball, tennis ball, measuring tape
Related resources: Make a Scale Solar System, Map a Model Solar System
Looking for More Activities?
Try these activity and resource collections:
- Earth's Moon Resources
- Observe the Moon Night for Educators and Learners
- NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory K-12 Educator Resources
- NASA Learning Resources
- NASA Space Place
- NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Mission Education Resources
- NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera Educational Activities & Lessons
- NASA's Night Sky Network Outreach Resources
- Explore! with the Lunar and Planetary Institute
