1. A Place to Land

2. Read “Lunar Probes: Paving the Way for Apollo” in your books. Pages 74-77.

3. Before the US traveled to the Moon, scientists could not agree on one very important issue: What the surface of the Moon was like, particularly the Maria. Some worried that the surface was made of a thick layer of dust (the reduced gravity would not attract the small dust particles to make them stick to the surface.) They feared the lander would simply sink into the dust, much like a thick, dry, quicksand. Others thought it would be more like a sandy beach. Able to support exploration. What do you think the surface is like? What evidence would you need to collect to see if you could land safely?

4. What data did the three space program probes provide? What conclusions about the surface of the moon can be drawn from this data? Further exploration: http://www.fossweb.com/delegate/ssi-wdf-ucm- webContent/Contribution%20Folders/FOSS/multime dia/Planetary_Science/binders/space_missions/index. html http://www.fossweb.com/delegate/ssi-wdf-ucm- webContent/Contribution%20Folders/FOSS/multime dia/Planetary_Science/binders/space_missions/index. html

5. Is it safe to land on the Moon? What evidence do you have to support your belief? Rocks appear to be lying on the surface. The surface is not uniform and flat, but has craters, hills and other textures. The Surveyor footpads can be seen resting on the surface. The probe arm of the Surveyor provided evidence of a compacted, solid lunar surface.

6. Look on pages 18-25 to survey the Moon for a good place to land. Think about: Is the site safe to land at? Is the site near interesting features? Will you be able to communicate with Earth? Is the site in daylight? Once you have selected your site, mark it on your Moon map. Come up with a name for your mission. Look on page 40. Find the Apollo 11 Mission and mark it on your map. Is your site close to Apollo 11? Any other missions? Watch “For All Mankind”