Q: What is the academic reading level of Maurice on the Moon?
A: Maurice on the Moon has a Fleishman reading level of 5.6. Classes of advanced readers (GATE students) as young as 4th grade have successfully read Maurice on the Moon in class with their teacher to help them. Typically, classes using Maurice academically are between 6th and 9th grade level. Introductory high school astronomy classes (typically mixed 10th and 11th graders) have also used Maurice on the Moon very successfully; although the academic level of the activities are generally scaled up for such students.
Q: Is this a "Turn-key" curriculum?
A: Yes. Most teachers select activities from the curriculum and mix in a few of their "old favorites" and use Maurice on the Moon for a 3-6 week unit on Earth and Space Science or The Earth-Moon System. For the most part, the materials called for are generally available in a typical science stockroom at the average middle school. Some materials might need to be purchased for activities, but virtually everything needed is available very inexpensively at the local hardware or home-improvement center. No special or expensive materials are needed to conduct the curriculum successfully.
Q: What sort of classrooms have tested Maurice on the Moon?
A: The Maurice on the Moon curriculum has been tested on ethnically and socially mixed classes of lower, middle, and upper socioeconomic backgrounds. ELD and ELL students have used the curriculum and shown academic growth comparable to their native English speaking classmates. Public schools as well as exclusive private educational academies have used Maurice on the Moon with impressive results.
Q: Does Maurice on the Moon meet and align with state educational standards and NCLB standards for high-quality, challenging curriculum?
A: Yes! Maurice on the Moon has been specifically matched to the California State Educational standards for 6th-9th grade science. The California standards are very representative of State mandated educational standards found across the country. The Maurice on the Moon curriculum meets or exceeds most local science standards requirements for 6th-9th grade science classes.
Q: Has the Maurice on the Moon text and curriculum been clinically studied to determine its academic effectiveness?
A: Yes. In preliminary studies conducted under the auspices of the Claremont Graduate University department of Education and the Hemet Unified School District; students using the Maurice on the Moon curriculum in a four-week summer science program showed an average improvement of 35% on standards-based exams. Jump to the Science Through Literature page for more detailed information on the results of this study. Note: The Maurice on the Moon text and curriculum are not endorsed by the Claremont Graduate University or the CGU Department of Education. The research was conducted with the encouragement and cooperation of the Hemet Unified School District and the HUSD Board of Education, and the Hemet USD has adopted the text and curriculum for use in their schools, but neither the HUSD district, nor their Board of Education specifically endorse the text or curriculum. No such endorsement by the CGU University or school districts involved is implied or intended by presenting these research results.
Q: Can I get help implementing the Maurice on the Moon curriculum?
A: Yes! The Teacher's forum section of the website is a place for you to ask for, and receive help with curriculum issues in your classroom. The forum can be searched to see if your topic or issue has come up previously. You can also use the Ask The Author section of the forum to ask questions directly and receive expert advice in implementing the curriculum in your classroom.
Q: Is Maurice on the Moon available in Spanish, or other languages?
A: No. The book and curriculum are only available in English language editions at this time.
Q: Is the author available to speak at my school site?
A: Mr. Barth is available for speaking engagements on a limited basis. Telephone and video conferences, as well as personal appearances may be arranged. If you wish to arrange for an Author Day presentation, or for a presentation to your faculty or school board, contact the author at: Author@MauriceontheMoon.com for further details and scheduling.