Does the Moon Rotate?

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This fun and simple hands-on astronomy activity lets learners make 3-dimensional models of the Earth and Moon. Using the Sun's light, learners will discover that the Moon rotates in the same amount of time it takes to make one orbit around the Earth. The Moon experiences day and night, but each day lasts about 14 Earth days, as does each night. The pdf contains step-by-step instructions, photos, presentation tips, and links to background information.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$5 - $10 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 6 - adult
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan, Model, Simulation
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • "moon balls" for your audience members. 1"-2" dylite balls work well.
  • toothpicks
  • an earth globe four times the diameter of the "moon balls"
  • sticky note (optional)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Astronomy
    • Earth, Moon and Sun
      • Days
      • Eclipses
    • Solar System
      • The Sun
      • The Moon

Informal Categories

  • Arts and Crafts
  • Outdoor Activity
  • Model Building

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • be mobile
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

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Access Rights:

  • Free access

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