Moon Facts
DOUBLE: What is rotation?
The spinning of an object on its axis
What is the independent variable?
The variable that is changed by the experimenter
What is the main source of light for the Moon?
The Sun
What does the Moon do with sunlight?
reflects it
What phase is completely lit?
Full moon
What is revolution?
The movement of one object around another
DOUBLE: What is the dependent variable?
The variable that is measured or observed
What does waning mean?
The Moon is getting smaller (less visible)
What does waxing mean?
The Moon is getting bigger (more visible)
How many phases of the moon are there?
8
The Moon is a natural _______ because it orbits Earth.
satellite
What are constants?
Things that stay the same in an experiment
A hole formed by impacts on the Moon’s surface is a _________.
crater
What is the line between light and dark on the Moon called?
Terminator
DOUBLE: What phase is not visible from Earth?
New Moon
Why do we always see the same side of the Moon?
It rotates and revolves at the same rate as the Earth
A student changes the type of ball in a Moon model. What is the independent variable?
The type of ball
DOUBLE: What is the difference between a First Quarter Moon and a Third (Last) Quarter Moon?
Both are half lit, but the First Quarter Moon has the right side lit, while the Third (Last) Quarter Moon has the left side lit.
What is the darkest part of a shadow called?
umbra
What phase comes after a New Moon?
Waxing crescent
What causes the phases of the Moon?
The Moon’s position as it orbits Earth
A student measures how bright the light appears on different balls. What is the dependent variable?
The brightness (amount of light observed)
If the Moon is between Earth and the Sun, what phase is it?
New Moon
What is the lighter part of a shadow called?
penumbra
What phase comes after a Full Moon?
waning gibbous