Featured Resource
Author
Giovanna
Subject
Science
Difficulty
8th Grade
In this lesson, students use the Earth, Moon, and Sun Sim to gather evidence that will help them answer the Investigation Question: Why is part of the Moon dark? They learn that the half of the Moon facing away from the sun is always dark because light from the sun travels in straight lines, which in turn prepares them to answer the Chapter 1 Question: Why is there a border between light and dark on the Moon? Students use the Modeling Tool to create a visual model that helps them write an answer...
This learning resource investigates why parts of the Moon appear dark using simulations and models. Students will explore the concepts of light and shadow by manipulating the Earth, Moon, and Sun system, observing how light from the Sun interacts with the Moon. The resource includes guided simulations, opportunities to model the light and dark regions of the Moon, and exercises in claim-evidence-reasoning arguments to support the understanding of lunar illumination. Additionally, it features a scenario involving photographic evidence of the Moon's changing appearance, prompting students to analyze and evaluate different claims about lunar phases and their relationship to light.