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"We Came in Peace": Plaque Left on the Moon — Reading Comprehension

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This world history reading passage explores the historical context and significance of the plaque left by Apollo 11 astronauts on the Moon in 1969. Students will learn how the plaque, reading 'We came in peace for all mankind,' and other objects like the American flag and mission badges, were intended to symbolize peaceful exploration and human achievement. The passage connects the event to broader themes of scientific progress, international cooperation, and symbolism in world history. The lesson includes a glossary of key terms, a Spanish translation, differentiated reading support, comprehension and writing activities, and graphic organizers. Activities encourage students to analyze cause and effect, cite evidence, and consider the broader impact on global history. This passage and its activities align with history and ELA standards HSS 7.11 and CCSS RI.6-8. Read aloud audio and Spanish translation support are provided.

CONTENT PREVIEW

"Saturn Apollo Program" / NASA (Public domain).

On July 20, 1969, Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to walk on the Moon. As part of their historic mission, they placed a metal plaque on the lunar surface. This plaque carried a powerful message: "We came in peace for all mankind." Along with the plaque, the astronauts left behind an American flag and several items representing the hopes and achievements of humanity.

The Apollo 11 mission was the result of years of effort by thousands of people working for NASA, the United States space agency. The mission launched from Kennedy Space Center in Florida on July 16, 1969, and landed in the Sea of Tranquility, a flat region on the Moon. The plaque, which was attached to the lunar module's leg, included the signatures of Armstrong, Aldrin, Michael Collins, and U.S. President Richard Nixon. The words on the plaque were carefully chosen to express that the Moon landing was a mission for all people, not just Americans. Official NASA documents show that this message was discussed by scientists, engineers, and politicians before the mission.

The objects left on the Moon have deep symbolic meaning. The American flag represents the technological achievement of the United States, while the plaque emphasizes international cooperation and peaceful intentions. In addition to the plaque and flag, Apollo 11 left other items, such as a silicon disk with greetings from 73 world leaders, mission badges, and a memorial for fallen astronauts and cosmonauts. These artifacts serve as a kind of time capsule, showing future visitors the values and goals of the time. Archaeological evidence from later missions confirms the plaque and flag remain on the Moon, though the flag may have faded or fallen.

The decision to leave peaceful messages reflects the context of the Cold War, when the United States and the Soviet Union competed in the space race. Despite political rivalry, the plaque’s message reached beyond national pride. It was meant to inspire unity and hope for peaceful exploration. The act of leaving these symbols marked a change from exploration for conquest to exploration for knowledge and cooperation. Over time, the Moon landing has become a symbol of human achievement and international goodwill.

The legacy of the Apollo 11 plaque continues to influence space missions and international treaties today. It reminds us that exploration can unite people across borders and cultures. The plaque’s message connects to broader themes in world history, such as the power of symbols, the importance of peaceful intentions, and the potential for science to bring people together.

Interesting Fact: The plaque also shows a map of Earth’s continents, symbolizing the unity of all people on our planet.

Who were the first people to walk on the Moon?

Neil Armstrong and Buzz AldrinMichael Collins and Buzz AldrinRichard Nixon and Neil ArmstrongJohn Glenn and Michael Collins

What message was written on the plaque?

"We came in peace for all mankind""Victory for America""To the Moon and back""Apollo 11: Our Mission"

Where did Apollo 11 land on the Moon?

Sea of TranquilityMare ImbriumOcean of StormsTycho Crater

Why was the plaque left on the Moon?

To show peace and unityTo claim land for the USATo test new materialsTo mark a secret base

What does the American flag represent on the Moon?

U.S. technological achievementClaiming landInternational lawA time capsule

How did the plaque's message reflect Cold War tensions?