Students will be able to develop and use models to explain how motions within the Sun-Earth-Moon system cause Earth phenomena including Moon phases and eclipses. 8.E.4B.4
Content Knowledge Support
- Read and compete interactive science workbook pages 164-169.
Discussion Topics
- Check out this video demonstrating some common misconceptions college students have about why the Moon has phases. Explain why you think many people don't really understand why the Moon has phases and then describe your own correct answer explaining why the Moon really has phases. Alternative video
- Jupiter has at least 75 moons. Describe what moon phases AND eclipses would be like on Jupiter.
- Clearly explain using 3 or more details how are Moon phases and eclipses different? Clearly explain using 2 or more details how moon phases and eclipses are related? Create and attach an original diagram to help explain your answers.
Recommended Exercises
(Level 1) Comprehension
Using all clipart and/or the drawing features create a model that demonstrates all 8 major phases of the Moon AND includes both solar and lunar eclipses using Google Draw. |
(Level 5) Creation
Create a moon phases poster using this assignment TEMPLATE. |
Additional Exercises & Extensions
(Level 1) Comprehension
(Level 2) Application
- Complete the Lunar Log Calendar for this month using this assignment TEMPLATE.
- Create your own multiple choice questions about eclipses using this assignment TEMPLATE.
- Play the Moon Challenge using this resource (flash required). Complete all 3 levels and submit a selfie showing you completely-completed level 3.
- Make Oreo Moon Phases and take a selfie with your finished work using this resource.
- Create a Moon Phases Flipbook using this resource.
- Complete this online eclipses quiz and earn 100%. Submit a selfie with your test results.
(Level 3) Analysis
- Complete the Moon Phases exploration using this assignment TEMPLATE.
- Complete the Phases of the Moon Gizmo using this assignment TEMPLATE.
- Complete The Predictable Moon SEPUP field study and analysis using this lab TEMPLATE.
- Complete Explaining the Phases of the Moon SEPUP modeling activity and analysis using this lab TEMPLATE.
- Complete The Moon Phase Simulator SEPUP computer simulation (flash required) activity and analysis using this lab TEMPLATE.
- Complete the cut and paste Moon phase activity and analysis questions using this resource.
- Research and report when each of the following eclipses will occur in your local area. Total solar eclipse, partial solar eclipse, total lunar eclipse, partial lunar eclipse. Discuss why some of these celestial events are more rare than others.
(Level 4) Evaluation
- Find a person who has some misconceptions about why the Moon has phases such as your parents or another trusted adult. Record their response and evaluate their answer carefully. Explain how accurate their answer was and explain at least one thing they may have misconceptions about regarding why the Moon has phases. Include a detailed description (and possibly a model) of what you can do to help clarify this misconception for them so they understand the phases of the Moon.
- Find or create a diagram of solar AND lunar eclipses that is incorrect. Clearly explain why the diagram is incorrect and provide the necessary correction to make this model correct (possibly recreating it).
(Level 5) Creation
- Using all clipart and/or the drawing features create a model that demonstrates all 8 major phases of the Moon AND includes both solar and lunar eclipses using Google Draw.
- Create a video demonstration (using diagrams and/or physical models) that accurately explains why solar and lunar eclipses do not occur every month.
- Create a moon phases poster using this assignment TEMPLATE.
Lab Exploration
Additional Explorations
- Scientists can study the top layer of the Sun during some solar eclipses. The Moon blocks the brightest rays of sunlight. This makes it easier for scientists to see the top layer of the Sun. What have scientists learned?
- If the Earth had no atmosphere, then the Moon would be completely black during a total eclipse. Instead, the Moon can take on a range of colors from dark brown and red to bright orange and yellow. The exact appearance depends on how much dust and clouds are present in Earth's atmosphere. Total eclipse tend to be very dark after major volcanic eruptions since these events dump large amounts of volcanic ash into Earth's atmosphere. Research the different colors during eclipses and the reasons why.
- How much is the orbit of the Moon around the Earth is inclined compared to the Earth's orbit around the Sun. This is the reason that eclipses do not occur with every New and Full Moon; the shadows do not line up.
Future Learning Connections (9-12)
- Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the properties and features of the Moon to support claims that it is unique among other moons in the Solar System in its effects on the planet it orbits.
English Language Learners
Module Review Resources
Vocabulary Practice
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