Or
Discuss: What did you notice when you did your Moon Journal? Was there anything you saw that helps you know where the Moon’s light is coming from?
Discuss: When the Crescent Moon is setting, where is the Sun?
Hint: The Sun is at a V-shaped angle with the Crescent Moon.
The Sun is just below the horizon. It always makes a V-shaped angle with the Crescent Moon.
Discuss: When the Half Moon is setting, where is the Sun?
Hint: The Sun is at an L-shaped angle with the Half Moon.
The Sun is directly beneath your feet on the opposite side of the Earth. It always makes an "L" shape with the Half Moon.
Challenge: About what time is it in this picture?
Discuss: When the Full Moon is setting, where is the Sun?
The Sun is just starting to rise. The Full Moon and the Sun make a straight line.
Challenge: What time of day is it right now?
Discuss: Now that you've learned what causes the Moon's phases, how would you explain it to someone who doesn't know?
Encourage creative storytelling by asking your students to look for pictures on the Moon's face using this activity from the Lunar and Planetary Institute. For photos showing what various cultures have seen on the moon, check out this National Geographic article
If you think your students are ready to delve into the cause of Moon phases more thoroughly, you can show them the “Moon Phases” animation at Dr. Cecilia Barnbaum’s Astronomy Demo Site. (You'll have to hit the play button to start the animation.) The animation has no narration, but you can pause to talk with your class about what it's showing. At the same site, you can also check out the “Why We See Phases” animation, which shows the phases of a tree and a ball in the sunlight.
Exit Full Screen
Exit Full Screen
