Recipe for a Moon

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In this activity, learners discover that the Moon, like Earth, is made up of layers of different materials. Learners work in teams to make models of the interiors of the Moon and Earth. Common food items are used to construct the cores, mantles, and crusts of both planetary objects.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
45 to 60 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
Over $20 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan, Model
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • butcher paper, newspapers, or disposable table cloths for the activity area (optional)
  • Wet wipes or damp paper towels
  • Global images of Earth
  • Images of the Moon
  • Books about the Moon
  • A Peek into the Moon's Interior
  • 5 Rice Krispies Treats®
  • 1 donut hole
  • 1 cinnamon candy (e.g. Red Hots)
  • 1 tsp. hot cocoa mix
  • 1 tsp. powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons of red icing
  • 2 teaspoons green sprinkles in a baggie
  • 4 teaspoons blue sprinkles in a baggie
  • 10–12 mini chocolate chips
  • 6 regular-sized chocolate chips
  • 3 Zip–loc® baggies
  • 1 small cups
  • 1 ruler
  • 1 spoon
  • 1 plastic knife
  • 1 cardboard plate
  • Recipe for the Moon and Recipe for Earth
  • Art supplies, such as colored pencils, crayons, and markers
  • Recipe for a Moon comic panel
  • Marvel Moon comic books
  • Binder clips
  • (Optional) 1 copy of instructions for making an edible Moon at home

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Astronomy
      • Probes, Satellites and Spacecraft
    • Earth Processes
      • Volcanoes and Plate Tectonics
    • Earth Structure
      • Rocks and Minerals
      • Oceans and Water
    • Earth, Moon and Sun
    • Solar System
      • The Moon
  • Physical Sciences
    • Electricity and Magnetism
      • Earth's Magnetic Field
  • The Nature of Science

Informal Categories

  • Food and Cooking
  • Model Building

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color
  • read
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • , Lunar and Planetary Institute, 2010

Funding Sources:

  • NASA Lunar Science Institute
  • Center for Lunar Origins and Evolution