Light of the Moon

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Learners model the Sun-Earth-Moon system to show what causes the Moon's appearance to change when viewed from the Earth. One learner acts as the Earth, and holds a model of the Moon arm's length away. Another learner acts as the Sun and shines a flashlight on the Moon. In a darkened room, the learner acting as the Earth rotates and can see the different phases of the Moon as its position relative the Sun and Earth changes. When learners set up a free account at Kinetic City, they can answer bonus questions at the end of the activity as a quick assessment. As a larger assessment, learners can complete the Smart Attack game after they've completed several activities.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 11
Resource Types:
Activity, Demonstration, Model
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Dark room
  • Flashlight
  • Foam or rubber ball
  • Pencil or pointy stick

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Earth, Moon and Sun
    • Solar System
      • The Sun
      • The Moon

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • read
  • use mouse
  • be mobile
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

Includes assesments for student learning:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • American Association for the Advancement of Science

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, American Association for the Advancement of Science, 2009

Funding Source:

  • National Science Foundation