Moon Phases
What causes the Moon to appear different throughout the month?
We see different amounts of the illuminated half of the Moon
What does "orbit" mean?
The nearly circular path a smaller object (like the moon) travels around a larger object (like earth).
To move around another object in space.
Does the Moon make its own light?
No
How does light travel?
In straight lines
What digital tool can help students see how the Moon moves around Earth?
The Earth, Moon & Sun Sim
What is the term for the different appearances of the moon?
Moon Phases
What does "pattern" mean?
Something we observe to be similar over and over again.
Something that repeats in a predictable way.
What object illuminates the moon?
What causes the light and dark sides of the Moon?
Sunlight shining on one half of the Moon
If the moon stopped orbiting Earth, what would happen to moon phases?
The phases would not continue changing
Why does the border between light and dark on the Moon change location?
Because the Moon moves around the Earth
What does "moon phases" mean?
The shape of the illuminated part of the moon as it appears from Earth.
Which half of the moon is illuminated?
The half facing the sun
Why are some models not to scale?
To make them easier to use or understand
Why is the Moon sometimes mostly bright and sometimes mostly dark?
Because we see different amounts of the illuminated side
How long does it take for the Moon to complete it full pattern of phases?
About one month
What does "illuminate" mean?
To light up
From Earth, what part of the Moon can we see?
The half facing Earth
What keeps the moon moving in a predictable pattern?
It orbit around Earth
If the Moon is between Earth and the sun, how might the Moon appear from Earth?
Mostly dark or not visible (solar eclipse)
Why do moon phases repeat?
Because the moon repeats it orbit around the earth
What is a model used for in science?
An object, diagram, or computer program that helps us understand something by making it simpler or easier to see.
To represent or explain something
Why can we not always see the entire illuminated half of the Moon?
Because the Moon changes positions around Earth
What determines the appearance of the Moon from Earth?
The moon's position around Earth and how much illuminated Moon we can see
Why is it helpful to use a simulation model for moon phases?
It helps visualize positions and patterns that are difficult to observe all at once