Moon

Describe the repeating pattern of the phases of the Moon using a model. The model must include the sun and the 8 different phases of the moon in regards to the earth.

• Students should understand that waxing means that the moon is increasing the amount of lit up surface is seen. (New moon going to full moon phase)

• Students should understand that waning means that the moon is decreasing the amount of lit up surface is seen. (Full moon going to new moon)

Model the length of day and night and how it changes throughout the year.

• Students will need to be able to explain what causes day and night.

  • The Earth's rotation causes the Earth to have day and night.

  • It takes 24 hours to complete on rotation.

• Students will also need to know what is the reason for the seasons.

Explain how Earth's orbit affects seasonal changes.

• • Students should be able to understand that the Earth's tilt causes the amount of direct sunlight to cause different seasons.

  • If the northern hemisphere is tilted toward the sun then it is experiencing summer, and the southern hemisphere will be experiencing winter.

  • Students should understand that when the Earth is orbiting sun, the seasons are affected by the tilt and the place the earth is in the orbit.

  • It takes 365 days for the Earth to orbit the sun.