Using a few office supplies and recyclables, we can simulate the physics required to land on the Moon. So here’s this week’s STEM challenge: using three index cards, two pieces of cardboard (each about 4 inches by 5 inches), some tape, and a small cup (you can make this yourself, if necessary), create a landing module that will safely land an astronaut (here, represented by a marshmallow, ping pong ball, or other small, light object) on another planet.

Today’s upcoming SpaceX Dragon-2 rocket launch is momentous for two reasons: it’s the first time NASA has ever launched astronauts into orbit on a private spacecraft, and this is the first launch of astronauts from U.S. soil in nearly a decade.

In the spirit of anticipation and ground-breaking, join one of our museum educators as she reads Go for the Moon: A Rocket, A Boy, and The First Moon Landing, by Chris Gall!