Abstract

The goal of this unit is to teach students why the phases of the moon occur. This is a math & science integrated unit.

Invitation

What causes the phases of the moon?

Situation

This unit will take place in the classroom and the computer lab. It will take approximately one week to complete.

Tasks

Students will use internet research to find what causes the phases of the moon. Students will then do an activity using a tennis ball (as the moon) and a paper diagram to display the phases of the moon. Students will measure and record on a data sheet the moon-toEarth-to-sun angle using a protractor. Students will answer questions involving the angle and the phase of the moon. Web site: http:Hispec.scibemet.com/student-pages/ourmoon/moon.htmI

Interactions

Students will work with a partner.

Assessment

Students will write an essay on what causes the phases of the moon. Students may draw a diagram to supplement the essay if they wish.

Tools

computer with internet access web site http://espec.scibemet.com/student-pages/ourmoon/moon.htmI tennis ball (half of it colored with a permanent black marker) moon-Earth-sun diagram


Standards

STANDARD 4: Earth and Space Science BENCHMARK 4: Model motion and identify forces that explain Earth phenomena.

1. Model Earth/moon positions that create phases of the moon and eclipses