Moon Week @ Browning

"STEM isn’t just about solving problems — it’s about imagining possibilities and building the future one idea at a time," ~ Author unknown.

In celebration of the successful launch of the Artemis II mission on April 1, 2026, and the exciting news that Browning Elementary’s name is aboard the Orion capsule on its journey to the Moon, we invite you to join us for a week of STEM-themed fun for students at Browning Elementary.

Throughout the week, we’ll be sharing a variety of resources, hands-on activities, educational videos, and book recommendations to inspire curiosity and learning.

The Orion spacecraft is scheduled to orbit the Moon, with its closest approach on Monday, April 6, and is expected to return to Earth with a splashdown on Friday, April 10 (mission day 10).

All activities are completely optional, students and families are welcome to participate in as many or as few as they’d like. Explore the opportunities below to celebrate “Moon Week” and spark a love of STEM in our Browning BEARS! 🚀

Yours in Learning Partnership-

Principal Ciacchella

Monday, April 6: Moon Monday-Spirit day-wear space, NASA, Red/White/Blue/Black and meet the crew

Tuesday, April 7: Moon Menu-Learn about the Moon Menu aboard Orion and make your own menu

Wednesday, April 8: Rocket Writing-Learn about "Nerdy Words" and make a Word Web

Thursday, April 9: Rocket Science is EASY!-Learn about Space Flight/Engineering

Friday, April 10: Mission Accomplished! Complete your Moon Mission Certificate.

In partnership with NASA, Browning Elementary School had the opportunity to register and participate in a special program that allowed our school community to digitally board the Artemis II mission, which successfully launched toward the Moon on April 1, 2026. Alongside the four-person NASA crew, Browning Elementary joined 5,647,889 other names now traveling aboard the spacecraft on its historic journey. Print your digital passport below and our actual Boarding Pass for Artemis II!

Inside the Zero-G indicator stuffy, named Rise, Browning Elementary will be one of the 5 million names digitally downloaded onto the SD card. As commander Reid Wiseman stated, "we are going for all and by all, it's time to fly."

Monday, April 6, marks an exciting milestone for the Artemis II mission, as the crew aboard the Orion spacecraft makes its closest approach to the Moon. To celebrate this historic moment, Browning Elementary will “travel” around the Moon and back digitally aboard and with the Astronaut Crew aboard the Artemis II!

While we originally planned to celebrate the February launch with an Artemis II Spirit Day, unexpected delays postponed the mission, and the launch was originally scrubbed in February. Now, with Artemis II successfully launched on April 1, 2026, we’re ready to celebrate its journey in a big MOON way!

Join us on Monday, April 6, for a special MOON DAY at Browning! Students and staff are encouraged to wear NASA gear or the official Artemis II mission colors: red, white, black, and blue.

This mission represents a bold step forward in space exploration, sending astronauts farther from Earth than any mission since Apollo 17. Let’s come together to celebrate this incredible achievement with our MOON MONDAY Spirit Day!

MISSION ACTIVITY: Draw a picture of your MOON crew. Who are you taking with you on your Moon missions and why? Label your crew of four!

Have you ever wondered what astronauts eat in space? Check out the Artemis II menu aboard their 10-day journey below and find out how foods sent to space have changed throughout the years. Have you ever wondered what it is like to eat in Zero-G (no gravity)? Find out below with these fun and educational videos from astronauts tackling the challenge of eating in space. What would you bring with you in Space?

MISSION ACTIVITY: Draw a picture and write about your own special MOON MENU! What would you take with you on your mission and why?

Rocket science is for everyone interested in learning, not just Rocket Scientists! As we work together on our School Improvement goals at Browning Elementary in the area of Inquiry-Based Learning and frequently participate in, "Turn and Talk" discussions in our classroom, let's take a turn to increase our vocabulary development and learn some frequently used Rocket Words, also known as "Nerdy Words" from NASA. Check out these short videos below and start talking like a Rocket Scientists too. When you are finished, complete the Mission Activity below and make your own Word Web to better understand one of the new Rocket Scientist/Engineering words. Have fun learning Browning Bears!

MISSION ACTIVITY: Watch a few of NASA's "Nerdy Words" and make a word web to describe and define it, just like we do on Writing Wednesdays!

Have you ever wondered about Rocket Science and Engineering? Take a look at these 60-second videos to learn more about Rocket Science and the field of Engineering. Learn how to draw the Artemis Launching system by drawing your own with the help of NASA's activity, or with adult supervision, you can make your own launch with this NASA STEM activity included below. All activities are directly from www.nasa.gov.

Rocket science is for anyone who loves science and enjoys participating in our inquiry-based learning, just like our Browning Bears!

MISSION ACTIVITY: Draw your very own Artemis II SLS system and then design your own Space Capsule! What shape would it be? How would you decide on a design? Why would you choose the design you chose?

Browning Bears, congratulations on a successful completion of your Browning MOON MISSION WEEK. You can follow the real successful Artemis II Moon Mission splash down, with a scheduled touch down anticipated this evening after 6pm. Follow along at your own pace at home and be sure to complete your MOON MISSION LOG's certificate of completion. Where should we journey next? How will we get there? If you are interested in learning more about our Engineering fun, check out these additional videos from NASA and the Artemis Suggested Moon Books!

MISSION ACTIVITY: Complete the Mission Accomplished Certificate with all your favorite details about the mission. Add a creative design for this Browning Moon Mission Week. Where should we go next?