The play presents the history of America’s manned space program in an accurate, chronological form.  It encourages the identifying of important historical figures and events.  As importantly, these figure and events are presented within their cultural context – the turbulent 1960’s. Students will explore the role of space exploration in a time of rapid social change.  Students can compare and contrast America’s current space explorations with those of the 60s.

 

The play explores the innovations in science and technology that occurred in order to achieve the goal of landing on the moon.  Students will be able to define the role of satellites, unmanned space flights, early rockets and the lunar landing module in the race for space.  Moreover, students will learn the physical properties of the moon, its surface and atmosphere.  Students can compare and contrast America’s current space technology with that of the 1960s.

 

The central character of the play, Scott Gibson, is a fictitious young astronomer who dreams of becoming an astronaut.  Students will analyze why the playwright chose to create an imagined character at the center of a historical play.

 

The form of the play encourages students to understand drama and music as a way to create and communicate meaning.  Students can analyze the skills used by the solo actor – body, voice, emotions—to create seven different characters.  Students can explore how the script incorporates a variety of playwriting techniques—direct address, monologues, letters and dialogue with recorded voices.  Students can listen to, analyze, and describe the variety of styles of music used and appreciate how the music helps to convey the historical period and to tell the story.