Phases of the Moon Lesson Overview
This activity asks students to use models of Earth, the Sun, and the Moon system to discover why moon phases occur. Students use a Styrofoam ball to represent the Moon, which will be lit by a single light source in the classroom, to observe how different portions of the ball are illuminated as they hold it in various positions. They create a complete series of phases matching the appearance of the Moon. And they relate moon phases to the positions of Earth and the Sun.
Resources
Download the Lesson Plan
Download the Worksheet
This game is curently under development. Stay tuned!
| Duration 75 Minutes |
Setting Classroom |
Grouping Whole Class |
PTI Inquiry 3.3, 4.3, 5.2, 5.8, 5.9, 7.2 |
| Lesson Components | Time | Inquiry Skills | Tech. Used | Engage Level | Brief Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engage | 5 min | none | none | 2 | Students are engaged in a discussion on the Moon |
| Explore | 30 min | 3.3, 4.3, 5.8 | none | 3 | Students create a model of the moon phases and go through each phase. |
| Explain | 25 min | 5.2 | none | 3 | Students go through the lunar phases describing the illumination and identifying the name of the phases |
| Expand | 10 min | 5.2, 7.2 | Internet/TV hook-up | 3 | Students view a video of the lunar phases and identify which phase is shown |
| Evaluate | 5 min | 3.3, 5.9 | none | 3 | Students organize moon phase cards in the correct order. |
| Level of Student Engagement | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Low | Listen to lecture, observe the teacher, individual reading, teacher demonstration, teacher-centered instruction | ||
| 2 | Medium | Raise questions, lecture with discussion, record data, make predictions, technology interaction with assistance | ||
| 3 | High | Hands-on activity or inquiry; critique others, draw conclusions, make connections, problem-solve, student-centered | ||
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