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The Star of Moon Village

The Star of Moon Village

When twelve-year-old Priscilla’s long-time dream of a student research voyage to the new lunar settlement comes true, she feels compelled to speak out for science when the trip turns out to be more about celebrity and tourism.
The Star of Moon Village

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In The Star of Moon Village, Priscilla worries that Moon Village’s focus on tourism and entertainment will overshadow its scientific mission. Invite students to design a digital or print brochure for future visitors that shows what they think Moon Village should represent. Have students decide whether to highlight scientific discovery, tourism and entertainment, or a balance of both. As they create their brochures, ask students to consider what information, images, and messages would help potential visitors understand the purpose of Moon Village, the people who make it possible, and why the mission matters.

Have students use their brochures to create a “Visit Moon Village” pitch for their classmates. Students should present their version of the lunar community and persuade others to choose their Moon Village experience. Encourage students to highlight what makes their community unique, from scientific discoveries to entertainment and daily life on the moon. Fun moon-themed snacks optional!

Questions for Discussion or Reflective Writing

  • Why has Priscilla been holding a grudge against Starletta for years? How can holding on to a hurt hold someone back?
  • Why does Priscilla feel so strongly that Starletta does not belong on the Moon Village trip? What does Priscilla assume about Starletta because of her fame? How do her assumptions change as she gets to know her?
  • Priscilla believes Moon Village should be focused on science, not tourism. Why does she see entertainment as a distraction from the mission’s purpose? Can entertainment and science work together to help people value discovery, or can the focus on tourism and profit create problems for scientific progress? Why? What acts of resistance do Priscilla and others use to push Moon Village back toward its scientific mission?
  • Why do Priscilla and Starletta eventually team up? What does Priscilla learn about the ways people can use their different talents and strengths to make a difference?
  • What does being a “star” mean to Priscilla at the beginning of the novel? How does that definition change by the end of her journey?

Related Resources

Visit the Moon Without Leaving Your Desk from U.S. Geological Survey

The Moon from NASA

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