July, 20 1969 - One giant leap for mankind

45 years ago man landed on the Moon. Let's celebrate this event talking about our magical satellite. It has always inspired artists from all over the world. How can we talk about the moon in our EFL classes? Here you can find some activities that involve the use of digital tools.

First of all, some information about that great day.

The first Moon landing

First Moon Landing-July 20 1969

Surf the following sites to get more information.
Nasa: http://www.nasa.gov/about/highlights/what_does_nasa_do.html#.U58bD5R_utI

Apollo 11: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/apollo/apollo11_40th.html#.U58XTpR_utI

A day in the life aboard the International Space Station (some videos from the space!): http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/teachingfromspace/dayinthelife/index.html#.U58Y4JR_utJ

A brief history of rockets: http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/k-12/TRC/Rockets/history_of_rockets.html

A clickable spacesuit experience: http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/spacesuits/home/clickable_suit.html#.U58cF5R_utI

The Moon

Facts about the Moon: http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/planets/profile.cfm?Object=Moon

The Moon:
http://nineplanets.org/luna.html

A tour of the Moon by Nasa

STUDENTS' TASK

Now imagine that you are a journalist. Write an article on Joomag and tell your readers about the first Moon landing. If you prefer, you can also imagine that you are an astronaut: describe your rocket, your spacesuit and your daily routine in the space.

The Moon in Arts

Poetry

Have a look at my presentation about some famous Moon poems. At the end of the slide show there are two videos about poems (and  haiku) writing . What about trying to write to the Moon?

(For more information on how to write a poem see this post of mine:

http://thetravellingteachers.blogspot.it/2014/06/poetry-in-our-efl-classroom.html)

STUDENTS' TASK

Poems about the Moon often use a figurative language. You could try PicLits to write a poem starting from a picture. Once you choose your image, you can use the "drag and drop" option: you have some nouns, adjectives, adverbs and verbs  related to that picture. Moreover, if you click on "Learn It" you'll have some information about the basics of creative writing. 

Painting

Some famous moon paintings:

http://framingpainting.com/famous-paintings/famous_moon_paintings.html

STUDENTS' TASK

Now, use Drawing to make your moon painting! If you are not so good at drawing, don't worry. This tool gives you lessons and examples! Have fun!




Music

OLD AND NEW MOON SONGS 

http://www.moonlightsys.com/themoon/lyrics.html

http://www.indierockcafe.com/2009/09/songs-about-moon-from-magnetic-fields.html

Fly me to the Moon - Frank Sinatra

Blue Moon - The Mavericks

Man on the Moon - R.E.M.

The Moon Song - Karen O

STUDENTS' TASK

Can you play any instruments? Can you compose music? Try Noteflight to compose your song to the Moon! Write your song's lyrics, as well. Listen to the songs above and reflect on the imagery that they suggest.