Websites are current as of October 10, 2011
Some of this WebQuest is stolen from a WebQuest by Mr. Conant · Briscoe Middle School · Beverly, MA.
Introduction
The Moon changes shape every day. Sometimes you can see only part of the Moon. Other times, you can see the entire Moon. Why does this happen?
The purpose of this WebQuest is to help you learn why we see phases of the Moon.
Tasks
Your task is to explain why the Moon changes appearance throughout the month. You will complete six tasks. Use your worksheet to record what you learn. It will help you understand why the Moon's appearance changes.
The First Task
Complete the Task One on your worksheet. Draw and name eight important phases of the Moon. You will...
- Draw the eight Moon phases.
- Write the correct name of these phases.
Process
Watch these videos to help you.
Here are some websites you can use to complete Task One.
How Do the Phases Get Their Names?
Phases of the Moon – What Can You See Tonight?
The Second Task
Science has special terms. You need to know what these terms mean. For Task Two, define the following terms: gibbous, waning, and waxing. You will identify which phases are waxing and waning.
Process
Get the definitions of the terms at this webpage.
Phases of the Moon Terms You Should Know and Use
The Third Task
For Task Three, draw your birthday Moon. What phase was it on the day you were born? Find out and fill in the circle. Also, draw a picture of the phase of the Moon on your 2011 birthday
Process
Use this website. Select your birthdate.
StarDate Online – Phases of the Moon Calendar
The Fourth Task
How does the Moon change during the month? For Task Four, complete the Task Four worksheet. See how the Moon changes each day. Complete the worksheet for September 2011.
Process
Go the website below. Select the current month and year.
StarDate Online – Phases of the Moon Calendar
Don't forget to answer the questions!
The Fifth Task
During the evening (and daytime), the Moon, stars, and Sun appear to move through the sky. For Task Five, explain why this happens.
Process
Use these websites to find out why.
The Sixth Task
For Task Six, show the position of the Earth, Moon, and Sun at each of the eight phases. Complete the worksheet identifying the correct phase and draw a picture of that phase of the Moon.
Process
You can use this video to help you.
The websites below will help you complete Task Six.
Lunar Phases (Highly Recommended!)
The Seventh Task
For Task Seven, you will take a phases of the Moon quiz. You must score six or higher to pass.
Process
To take the quiz, go to the Space Day website. Complete the quiz. When you get a score of six or higher, raise you hand and your teacher will initial your worksheet.
Evaluation
How will your worksheet be assessed? Good question! The rubric below will be used. Make sure you look at it when completing your worksheet.
Phases of the Moon WebQuest Worksheet Rubric
CATEGORY |
4 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
Required Elements |
The worksheet includes all required elements as well as additional information. |
All required elements are included on the worksheet. |
Most of the of the required elements are included on the worksheet. |
Several required elements were missing. |
Knowledge Gained |
Student can accurately answer all questions related to facts in the poster and processes used to complete the worksheet. |
Student can accurately answer most questions related to facts in the poster and processes used to complete the worksheet. |
Student can accurately answer about 75% of questions related to facts in the poster and processes used to complete the worksheet. |
Student appears to have insufficient knowledge about the facts or processes used complete the worksheet. |
Content - Accuracy |
All pictures on the posters are drawn accurately. For example, on the poster showing the phases of the Moon thru the month, the drawings of the Moon accurately show what it looks like; the positions of the Earth, Moon, and Sun are correct, etc. |
95% of the drawings are drawn accurately. |
90% of the drawings are drawn accurately. |
Less than 90% of the drawings are drawn accurately. |
Conclusion
All throughout history, people have looked at the Moon and marveled at the constant change. Myths were written to explain what they saw.
By completing this WebQuest, you now understand how and why the Moon changes appearance every day. Congratulations on your effort.
This WebQuest addresses the following Utah State Core standards:
STANDARD I: Students will understand that the appearance of the Moon changes in a predictable cycle as it orbits Earth and as Earth rotates on its axis.
Objective 1: Explain patterns of changes in the appearance of the Moon as it orbits Earth.
a. Describe changes in the appearance of the Moon during a monthObjective 2: Demonstrate how the relative positions of Earth, the Moon, and the Sun create the appearance of the Moon’s phases.
b. Identify the pattern of change in the Moon’s appearance.
c. Use observable evidence to explain the movement of the Moon around Earth in relationship to Earth turning on its axis and the position of the Moon changing in the sky.
d. Design an investigation, construct a chart, and collect data depicting the phases of the Moon.
a. Identify the difference between the motion of an object rotating on its axis and an object revolving in orbit.
b. Compare how objects in the sky (the Moon, planets, stars) change in relative position over the course of the day or night.
c. Model the movement and relative positions of Earth, the Moon, and the Sun.