Moon Finale

Description

During the Moon Finale lesson, students model the Earth/Moon/Sun system in 2D and 3D. They model the phases, consider moonrise and moonset times, the appearance of Moon phases from different perspectives, and use moon journals to connect their models to their observations of the Moon in nature.

Standards

  • NGSS Disciplinary Core Idea
    • ESS1.B: The solar system contains many varied objects held together by gravity. Solar system models explain and predict eclipses, lunar phases, and seasons.
  • NGSS Crosscutting Concepts
    • Patterns
    • Systems and System Models
  • NGSS Science and Engineering Practices
    • Developing and using Models

Materials

  • NGSS Disciplinary Core Idea
  • Foam Ball for Earth (1 per student)
  • Foam Ball for Moon (1 per student)
  • Sticks for handles (1 per student, one for each foam ball)
  • Push Pins (2 per student, preferably different colors)
  • Blank Paper (1 sheet per student)
  • Markers (1-2 per student)
  • Light, such as a projector, to act as the Sun (1 per class)