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What if the Moon Disappeared?

In this one-time space and astronomy course, students will learn about the surprising ways that life on Earth would be different without the Moon.
Bridgette Dutta Portman, MFA/PhD
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(71)
Class
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What's included

1 live meeting
45 mins in-class hours

Class Experience

We all know that we can't live without the Sun. But what about the Moon? In this class, students will gain a new appreciation for Earth's neighbor in space by exploring what would happen if the Moon disappeared--or if Earth had never had a Moon at all. The Moon is more than pretty to look at; as it turns out, we may owe our very existence to it.

First, learners will be encouraged to speculate about how Earth would be different without the Moon. Then, we'll use a combination of slides, lecture, and discussion to explore this question in depth. Students will learn how the Moon:

-Influences animal behavior
-Causes Earth's tides
-Stabilizes Earth's axial tilt and seasons
-Slowed down Earth's rotation and led to our familiar 24-hour days
-Has served as the basis for many human calendars
-May have created the conditions necessary for life on Earth to begin

Students will emerge with a deeper understanding of how the Moon and Earth interact, and a greater appreciation for our natural satellite.

Learning Goals

Students will learn about the many ways the Moon has influenced Earth, both throughout our planet's history and today.
learning goal

Other Details

External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined June, 2020
4.9
71reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
I am a teacher and science fiction writer who has been fascinated by astronomy for as long as I can remember. In addition to taking a number of astronomy-related college courses, I have kept up-to-date on the latest astronomical discoveries and topics of interest since my teenage years. In 2019 I was hired to ghostwrite a 10,000-word nonfiction children’s book about the moon, which required a considerable amount of research. I am excited to share my passion and expertise on this subject!

Reviews

Live One-Time Class
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$10

per class
Meets once
45 min

Completed by 56 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-12
1-8 learners per class

This class is no longer offered
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