Websites are current as of July 9, 2011
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.
Some of this WebQuest is stolen from a WebQuest by Mr. Conant · Briscoe Middle School · Beverly, MA.
Introduction
At that time there lived on earth a man named Mundilfari. Mundilfari had two children so bright and handsome that he thought nothing in creation could compare with them except the Sun and the Moon. Proudly he called the boy Mani (Moon) and the girl Sun (Sol). When the Gods heard about this they took offence. Vainglory of this kind was too much for them to bear and they snatched the children away from their father and put them to work in the heavens. It is these children we see as bright lights in the sky.
They made the girl he named Sol ride like a jockey on one of the horses pulling the chariot of the Sun. Sol's brother had to ride one of the horses of the Moon, called Alsvider. But because his journeys were much more complicated than because the Moon he was set to a guide of waxes and wanes each month so that it is never quite the same for two days in a row. Mani could not manage this himself and he in his turn kidnapped two other children from earth. On a clear night of the full Moon they are both visible: people on earth call them the children in the Moon and it is they who make the Moon wax and wane.
From the earth both the son and the Moon can be seen racing across the sky. They have a reason for losing no time in their journey: they are both being pursued by wolves.
The prophecies say that in the end the wolves will overtake Mani and Sol and swallow them up completely.
Norse Myth
Task
Your task is to explain why the Moon changes appearance throughout the month. Using the webpages provides, you will complete each of the following projects. As you explore the Moon, you will complete this worksheet. It will help you better understand why the Moon's appearance changes.
The First Task
Complete The First Task section of the worksheet. Your task is to draw and name eight important phases of the Moon. You will need to...
- Illustrationsof the eight Moon phases
- The correct name of these phases.
You will also need to correctly define three terms.
Process
Here are some websites you can use to help you get the information you need to complete The First Task.
How Do the Phases Get Their Names?
Phases of the Moon Terms You Should Know and Use
Phases of the Moon – What Can You See Tonight?
The Second Task
Complete The Second Task by drawing a picture and identify the phase of the Moon on the day you were born.
Process
Go the website below. Select the month and year of your birth.
StarDate Online – Phases of the Moon Calendar
The Third Task
Complete The Third Task on the worksheet. You will show how the Moon changes throughout the month, on day-at-a-time. Select the current month and year.
Process
Go the website below. Select the current month and year.
StarDate Online – Phases of the Moon Calendar
The Final Task
Your final task is to show the position of the Earth, Moon, and Sun at each of the phases you studied in the First Task. You will draw...
- the correct direction of the Moon's orbit
- illustrations of the Earth, Sun, and Moon at each of the eight phases.
- Complete the Moon Challenge. Level 3, and have your worksheet initialed by the teacher.
You will also answer the questions on the worksheet.
Process
The websites below will help you complete the worksheet showing the positions of the Earth, Moon, and Sun throughout the month. (Some of the websites are interactive).
Lunar Phases (Highly Recommended!)
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.