Lunar Adventure
Develop an interactive app for children that uses smart phone and tablet sensory to locate the Moon (any time of the day, even below horizon), which unlocks current lunar data (phase, distance, etc), and then presents the user options for reading a "Moon" related story, view space agency photos and videos, and/or fun facts about the Moon. The goal of this challenge is edutainment and raising awareness about lunar missions around the world.
We decided to create a choose your own adventure app for children. In the app, the user must first locate the moon by pointing the phone to wherever it is in the sky, even if it is below the horizon! Then, they get to go on an adventure and travel to the moon. The concept is for children to explore different facets of space travel and research while learning fun historical and scientific tidbits along the way. Ideally, if they would like to learn more at any point in time, a learn more button will take them to a more robust explanation.
The app currently has two main options for children to explore: the moon's surface, and the interior of the lunar module. The interior of the module contains a rock analysis option where the children can discover what the moon is made out of. This is currently the only fully functional option. There is also a telescope for children to view other celestial bodies. If the user decides to go outside, they can learn about the moon's gravity and atmosphere.
Content Goal:
Finding the Moon：
Neil Armstrong: The space race had been going for over ten years but no one had managed to land on the moon. But then, in 1969, the USA’s Apollo 11 was the first manned spacecraft to make it! I was lucky enough to take the first step of the lander. It was one small step for man and one giant leap for mankind.
1) Lunar Module:
This is where astronauts spend most of their time on the moon. It’s your home away from home.
Moon rocks:
Your friend Buzz brought in some samples from the moon’s surface. Let’s find out if the moon is really made of cheese! Buttons: Test the samples, Go Back
List of samples:
Test the white rocks
You found Feldspar!
Test the maroon rocks
You found Pyroxene!
Test the green rocks
You found Olivine!
Test the black crystals
You found Ilmenite!
Telescope:
Without the Earth’s atmosphere in the way, you can see everything so much more clearly! Check out what’s beyond the moon!
2) Lunar Surface
Atmosphere:
Contrary to popular belief, the moon does have an atmosphere. However, it’s so thin that the gas molecules almost never bump into each other. This is called a surface boundary exosphere.
Gravity:
You see your friend Mae get ready to take a huge jump. How high do you think she will go?
Quiz: 1 foot, 22 feet, 8 feet
Result: Actually/You’re right! The moon’s gravity is about ⅙ as strong as the Earth’s so you could easily jump over a single story house! (answer: 22 feet)
Colony:
What do you think will be important for a colony on the moon? Make a list here!
