Exploring the Moon With KODU

Exploring the Moon with KODU

Grade Level:

6-8

Objective:

Students will utilize KODU Game Lab to design and create a simulation that represents the exploration of the Moon's surface. They will learn basic coding concepts, game design, and will deepen their understanding of the Moon's geographical and environmental features. Detailed objective

Materials Needed:

• Computers with KODU Game Lab installed

• Projector for demonstrations

• Worksheets for planning game design and storyboarding

Lesson Procedure:

1. Introduction (15 minutes)

• Begin with a discussion on space exploration and the Moon. Ask questions to gauge students' prior knowledge. 

• Introduce KODU Game Lab as a tool for creating their own Moon exploration simulation.

2. KODU Tutorial (20 minutes)

• Provide a basic tutorial of KODU Game Lab, including an overview of the interface, tools, and basic coding blocks.

• Have students open KODU and explore the interface.

3. Exploration of the Moon Discussion (20 minutes)

• Discuss the Moon’s surface, environment, and the challenges astronauts face while exploring it.

• Show images/videos of the Moon to inspire their simulation creation.

• List of Lunar Features

• NASA Moon Guide

4. Planning and Storyboarding (20 minutes)

• Students will plan their KODU simulation. They should consider the landscape, objectives, and challenges within their game.

• Provide worksheets for students to draw and outline their simulations.

5. Building the Simulation (40 minutes)

• Students start building their simulations in KODU, creating the lunar surface, adding characters (astronauts, rovers), and implementing challenges.

• Encourage creativity and problem-solving.

6. Testing and Sharing (20 minutes)

• Students test each other’s simulations, providing feedback.

• Discuss as a class what worked well and what could be improved.

7. Homework Assignment

• Students will refine their simulations based on feedback, adding additional features or fixing issues.

Assessment:

• Participation in class discussions

• Completion of the planning and storyboard worksheet

• Creation and refinement of the Moon exploration simulation in KODU

Extension Activities:

• Students can explore more advanced coding concepts within KODU to enhance their simulations.

• Create a presentation to explain their simulation, including the coding concepts used, challenges faced, and how it relates to real Moon exploration.

Standards:

This lesson aligns with the NGSS standards MS-ESS1-3, where students analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system, and ISTE standard 5, Computational Thinker, as students will develop and employ strategies for understanding and solving problems in ways that leverage the power of technological methods to develop and test solutions.

Adaptations for Online Learning:

• Utilize screen sharing for KODU demonstrations.

• Students can work on their simulations and share their screens for feedback.

• Use online forums or chat for discussions and feedback sharing.