📊 Data & Patterns
Sunrise gets earlier and sunset gets later each month.
What is happening to daylight?
Daylight is increasing
Which Moon phase is completely dark?
New Moon
Warm temperatures, rain, and plant growth describe which season?
Spring
A student says:
“Days are getting shorter because the Sun sets later each day.”
Incorrect
“If the Sun sets later, we actually have MORE daylight, not less.”
Why are days longer in summer?
Earth tilts toward the Sun
Temperatures: 30°F → 28°F → 25°F → 27°F → 31°F
What pattern is shown?
Decrease then increase
Which Moon phase is fully lit?
Full Moon
Which season has the longest daylight hours?
Summer
“The Moon changes shape because Earth’s shadow covers it.”
Incorrect
Moon phases are NOT shadows.
We see different amounts of reflected sunlight.”
Why do Moon phases repeat?
The Moon orbits Earth
Temperatures: 20°F → 25°F → 35°F → ? → 60°F
What is the BEST estimate for the missing value?
About 45°F
What phase comes after a Full Moon?
Waning Gibbous
Cool temperatures and falling leaves describe which season?
Fall
The Moon phases follow a predictable pattern that repeats every month.
Correct
Why is the Moon sometimes not visible?
The lit side is not facing Earth
If daylight increases each month, what season is MOST likely approaching?
Summer
How long does it take for the Moon phases to repeat?
About one month
Cold temperatures and short daylight hours describe which season?
Winter
Winter actually has the SHORTEST daylight.
Correct
Explain why the Moon appears to change shape.
We see different parts of the lit side
Why do daylight hours change during the year?
Earth’s tilt
If the Moon appears to be getting larger each night, what is happening?
Waxing
Describe Weather and Temperature:
Winter → Cold, short daylight
Summer → Very hot, long daylight
If temperatures go 20°F → 30°F → 40°F → 50°F, then April could be around 45°F.
Correct
Explain BOTH:
Seasons → Earth’s tilt
Moon phases → reflected sunlight as the Moon orbits Earth