Websites current as of July 7, 2010

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 month
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.

Objective 2:  Demonstrate how the relative positions of Earth, the Moon, and the Sun create the appearance of the Moon’s phases.
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.

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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, complete this worksheet. It will help you when you make your posters.

The First Task

A poster illustrating the phases of the Moon.  Your poster should include:

    • Illustrations of the eight Moon phases
    • The correct name of these phases.

Process

First, you are going to identify the eight phases of the Moon seen each month.  Here are some websites you can use to help you get the information you need.

 

 

Source: NASA Astronomy Picture of the Day 11/8/99

How Do the Phases Get Their Names?

Moon Phases

Phases of the Moon

Phases of the Moon – What Can You See Tonight?

The Second Task

Draw a picture 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

A poster illustrating the phases of the Moon every day for a month.  Select the current month.

    • Complete the worksheet for the month.

Process

Go the website below.  Select the month and year of your birth.

StarDate Online – Phases of the Moon Calendar

The Final Task

Your final poster will show the position of the Earth, Moon, and Sun at each of the phases you studied in the First Task.  Your poster will include:

    • The correct direction of the Moon's orbit
    • Illustrations of the Earth, Sun, and Moon at each of the eight phases.
    • The time period between each phase

Process

The websites below will help you make a poster showing the positions of the Earth, Moon, and Sun throughout the month.  (Some of the websites are interactive).

Lunar Phases (Highly Recommended!)

The Earth/Moon System

The Moon’s Phases

Phases of the Moon

Phases of the Moon II

Evaluation

How will your posters be assessed?  Good question!  The rubric below will be used.  Make sure you look at it when making your posters.

Phases of the Moon WebQuest Posters Rubric

CATEGORY

4

3

2

1

Required Elements

The poster includes all required elements as well as additional information.

All required elements are included on the poster.

All but 1 of the required elements are included on the poster.

Several required elements were missing.

Knowledge Gained

Student can accurately answer all questions related to facts in the poster and processes used to create the poster.

Student can accurately answer most questions related to facts in the poster and processes used to create the poster.

Student can accurately answer about 75% of questions related to facts in the poster and processes used to create the poster.

Student appears to have insufficient knowledge about the facts or processes used in the poster.

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.

Labels

All items of importance on the poster are clearly labeled with labels.

Almost all items of importance on the poster are clearly labeled with labels.

Several items of importance on the poster are clearly labeled with labels.

Labels are too small to view OR no important items were labeled.

Attractiveness

The poster is exceptionally attractive in terms of design, layout, and neatness. Information is easily found on the poster.

The poster is attractive in terms of design, layout and neatness. Information is easily found on the poster.

The poster is acceptably attractive though it may be a bit messy. Information can be found, but not easily.

The poster is distractingly messy or very poorly designed. It is not attractive. It is hard to find information on the poster.
Rubric made using Rubistar.

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.