Mission Control Lockdown
Starlings: Space and Solar System Adventure
An emergency signal is coming from space near Mauna Kea Observatory, Hawaii.
Inside Orbital Mission Control, alarms are flashing as satellite feeds cut out, orbital paths drift off course, and solar data streams scramble without warning. Ari Raider has traced the disturbance to the Professor, who sabotaged critical space monitoring systems connected to the observatory and concealed a powerful specimen inside a sealed Mystery Mine.
To prevent a total mission blackout, students must work through secured control rooms alongside the Starlings, stabilize celestial systems, restore orbital order, and locate the hidden Mystery Mine using real space science knowledge.
This adventure transforms space and solar system science into an escape room style mission focused on observation, motion, energy, and exploration beyond Earth.
Mission Control Lockdown: Starlings Space and Solar System Adventure
A story driven space science adventure where students explore the Sun, Moon, planets, and space systems, investigate motion and energy, and restore control inside an orbital mission command center by answering questions and unlocking the Mystery Mine.
Adventure Overview
Setting: Orbital Mission Control Complex
Story Hook: Ari Raider detects a failure in satellite, solar, and orbital monitoring systems.
Student Mission: Restore space systems, stabilize orbits, and unlock the Mystery Mine.
Mission Objective: Discover. Identify. Collect.
Grade Levels: 3–5
Time: 30–60 minutes
Lesson Plan
Objective: Students will explain the Sun, Moon, planets, motion in space, and how humans observe and explore the solar system.
- Engage: Introduce mission control as the center of space monitoring.
- Explore: Students progress through control rooms by answering space science questions.
- Explain: Review stars, orbits, rotation, phases of the Moon, and space objects.
- Extend: Connect solar energy and space exploration to life on Earth.
- Evaluate: Use the Knowledge Check or discussion questions.
Teaching Guide
- Emphasize motion and patterns such as rotation, orbit, and cycles.
- Use the escape room format to reinforce problem solving and systems thinking.
- Pause after each subsetting to connect story elements to science vocabulary.
- Discuss how space observations help scientists understand Earth.
- Optional: Students keep a “Mission Log” to record discoveries.
Vocabulary
- Star: A massive glowing ball of gas that produces its own light.
- Orbit: The path an object follows around another object.
- Rotation: The spinning of an object on its axis.
- Phase: The changing appearance of the Moon.
- Meteor: A space rock burning in Earth’s atmosphere.
- Aurora: Light displays caused by solar particles interacting with Earth’s magnetic field.
- Solar system: The Sun and all objects that orbit it.
Knowledge Check: Questions & Answers
Celestial Monitoring Hub
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Q: What is the Sun?
A: A star that provides light and energy to Earth -
Q: What do planets orbit?
A: The Sun -
Q: Why does the Moon have phases?
A: Because of the angle of sunlight hitting the Moon
Orbital Mechanics Floor
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Q: What causes day and night on Earth?
A: Earth rotating on its axis -
Q: What is a meteor?
A: A rock burning in Earth’s atmosphere -
Q: What causes auroras?
A: Solar particles interacting with Earth’s magnetic field
Deep Space Systems Vault
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Q: What provides energy from the Sun to Earth?
A: Solar energy -
Q: How do scientists explore space?
A: Using telescopes, satellites, and spacecraft -
Q: What is included in the solar system?
A: The Sun and objects that orbit it
Discussion Questions
- Why is the Sun important to life on Earth?
- How does Earth’s rotation affect daily life?
- Why are satellites important?
- What dangers exist in space?
- Why do humans explore space?
Classroom Transformation Ideas
- Turn the classroom into a mission control center with maps and space images.
- Dim lights and use blue or red lighting to simulate space.
- Create stations labeled Sun, Earth, Moon, and Deep Space.
- Assign roles like “Flight Director” or “Satellite Engineer.”
- Play subtle space ambience.
DIY Excavation Activity
No-mess option:
- Hide a “mission data card” in a cup.
- Cover with paper strips representing space layers.
- Students excavate carefully and record observations.
- Discuss how scientists collect data from space.
Standards Alignment
- Describe patterns of motion of the Sun, Moon, and stars.
- Explain Earth’s rotation and orbital motion.
- Identify objects in the solar system.
- Recognize how solar energy affects Earth.
Free Printable Trading Cards
Download free printable trading cards that match Mission Control Lockdown. Each card reinforces space and solar system concepts used in the adventure.