View this Bozeman Science Video - Developing and Using Models

Think about a question that you have about something in and around your home. How could you design an experiment that would answer that question?

• Suggested topic: How does the Moon’s revolution around Earth cause the Moon’s phases? OR What causes the lunar cycle we observe from Earth?

Students can now choose to learn more about a related topic by researching it on their own.

Use this Sun or Moon Investigation sheet as a guide, if you like.

Resources for student investigation:

• Act. 80: Explaining the Phases of the Moon (Labsent) Students model the moon cycle.

  • Modified Act. 80: Explaining the Phases of the Moon

• Act. 81: Moon Phase Simulator Students use the online moon phase simulator to model the moon’s revolution around the Earth, causing the Moon's phases.

  • Modified Act. 81: Moon Phase Simulator

  • SEPUP simulation: https://sepuplhs.org/middle/third-edition/simulations/moon_phase_simulation.html

Continue with your investigation. Here are more possible resources:

• Moon Phase activity from JPL

• Big list of moon related activities

Optional Video resources

• Phases of the Moon: Astronomy and Space for Kids

• Moon Phases Demonstration

• The Moon: Crash Course Astronomy #12

The Challenge - Find a live animal and observe its characteristics (color, shape, size, etc.). Write about or draw what you notice and any questions you are wondering about what you see why does it look the way it does? What characteristics are helpful?

Materials

• A live animal to observe (try collecting a worm, ant, snail, or other bug from your yard or a nearby park)

• Drawing materials

• Magnifying glass (optional)

More ideas

Compare and contrast your observations and what you notice and wonder.

Try to find answers to the questions you are wondering about

• http://www.nwf.org/natureguides

• http://www.insectidentification.org.

• http://www.backyardnature.net/insectid.htm

• http://www.bugfacts.net/insects/php