Grade Level: 6-8
Lesson Time: Less Than 30 Minutes
Apollo Program (Earth's Moon),
Earth Science Missions (Earth),
Heliophysics Missions (Sun)
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Short Description: In the first half, students explore the dynamics of lunar phases to develop an understanding of the relative positions of our Moon, Earth, and Sun that cause the phases of the Moon as viewed from Earth. Using a golf ball glowing under the ultraviolet light of a "blacklight" makes it easier to see the actual phase of the Moon.
In the second half, students adjust their orbits of their moons to gain a deeper understanding of eclipses.
Why We Chose This Lesson
This lesson was chosen for its quality and potential alignment to Next Generation Science Standards.
Read the Rubric for This Lesson
Disciplinary Core Ideas
- ESS1: Earth's Place in the Universe
Read more: NGSS Disciplinary Core Ideas
- 2-Developing and using models
- 3-Planning and carrying out investigations
Read more: Science and Engineering Practices in the NGSS
Read more: NGSS Crosscutting Concepts
Credit: Lunar and Planetary Institute