Mystery of the Moon

Michael Gooch

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Mystery of the Moon

Understand moon phases and effects

In this lesson, students will explore the phases of the moon and their impact on Earth. They will engage in a hands-on activity to create moon phase models and participate in a discussion about how the moon affects tides and calendars. This lesson is important as it helps students understand the natural phenomena that influence our daily lives and enhances their observational and critical thinking skills.

Audience

Achievers (Ages 9-10)

Time

45 mins

Approach

Understand moon phases and effects

Materials

Moon Phase Model Materials (Styrofoam balls, sticks, paint), Discussion Questions, Moon Phases Worksheet, and Moon Phases Quiz

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

Begin with a brief discussion on what students know about the moon.
Introduce the concept of moon phases and their importance.

Step 2

Moon Phase Model Activity

20 mins

Provide materials for creating moon phase models.
Guide students to paint and arrange Styrofoam balls to represent different moon phases.
Discuss each phase as students work on their models.

Step 3

Discussion on Moon's Impact

10 mins

Use the discussion questions to explore how the moon affects tides and calendars.
Encourage students to share their thoughts and observations.

Step 4

Worksheet Completion

5 mins

Distribute the Moon Phases Worksheet.
Allow students to complete the worksheet individually.

Step 5

Closure and Quiz

5 mins

Recap the key points of the lesson.
Administer a short quiz to assess understanding of moon phases.

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Discussion

Moon Phases Discussion

A guided discussion to explore how the moon affects tides and calendars.

How do the phases of the moon affect the tides on Earth?

Discuss the gravitational pull of the moon and how it causes high and low tides.

Why is the moon important for calendars?

Explore the historical use of lunar calendars and how moon phases are used to track time.

Worksheet

Moon Phases Worksheet

A worksheet to reinforce the understanding of moon phases.

Draw and label the eight phases of the moon.

Use your moon phase model as a reference.

Explain how the moon's position relative to the Earth and Sun causes different phases.

Think about the light from the Sun and how it illuminates the moon.

Quiz

Moon Phases Quiz

Answer Key

Moon Phases Answer Key

The answer key for the Moon Phases Quiz and Worksheet.

Draw and label the eight phases of the moon.

New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, Waning Crescent.
Students should accurately depict and label each phase based on their model.

Explain how the moon's position relative to the Earth and Sun causes different phases.

The moon's phases are caused by its orbit around Earth, changing the portion of the moon illuminated by the Sun.
Understanding the alignment of the Earth, Moon, and Sun is crucial for explaining phases.

Which phase of the moon is completely dark?

New Moon
The New Moon phase occurs when the moon is between Earth and the Sun.

What causes the different phases of the moon?

Moon's orbit around Earth
The moon's orbit around Earth changes the visible illuminated portion.