Moon Quest

There are stories and legends that also attempt to explain the changing shapes and shadows of the moon's surface.  One legend  explaining the surface of the moon tells a story about a "man in the moon" who was sent there to serve a prison term for stealing.

Today we know the causes for the change in the moon's shape (phases) as the "moonth"  progresses.  These changes occur because the relative positioning of the moon, Earth, and the sun.  On occasion a special event occurs when the moon, earth, and the sun are perfectly in alignment.  This is called an eclipse.  There are two types of eclipses, lunar and solar.

In this Web Quest you will visit some interactive Web sites that will provide you with the information that will help you understand and answer the "essential" questions below.  Clean off the lens on your telescope, because we are about to look at the moon in a way you have never seen it before!

Essential Question:

• What causes the phases of the moon?

To demonstrate your knowledge of these topics you will have a choice of two projects.  These projects are:

• A poster illustrating the phases of the moon.  Your poster should include:
  • Illustrations of the 8 moon phases
  • The correct direction of the moon's orbit
  • Illustrations of the earth & sun
  • The time period between each phase

• A five paragraph essay discussing the phases of the moon.  Your essay should include:
  • An opening paragraph explaining the cause of the phases of the moon.  Paragraph should include a topic sentence.
  • The second paragraph should discuss the new moon as well as the waxing phases of the moon
  • The third paragraph should discuss the the full moon and the waning phases of the moon
  • Paragraph four should explain the process of the transformation which includes the time period between each phase
  • Paragraph five should be  a summary of the entire essay

• What are the major features of the moon's surface?
• How much larger is the earth in diameter than the moon?
• The earth has a much larger mass than the moon.  How many moons would it take to equal the mass of Earth?
• The moon's surface has been pelted by asteroids, comets and meteorites which have caused craters.  How have these space particles been allowed to bombard the moon's surface?
• What is a Blue Moon?

To check your understanding of the page you just read, take the quiz on "Zoom Astronomy: Moon Puzzle".  When you have answered all of the questions correctly, a moon picture will appear in the box at the right.

Go to NIEHS Kids Pages: Space & Earth Science and answer the following questions.

• Use the diagram in the section "Our Moon's Luna Phases!" to answer the following questions

  • What is the current phase of the moon?

  • When will the moon be full next?

  • When will the moon be new next?

  • What phase of the moon will occur on May 10, 2007?

  • What phase of the moon will occur on May 23, 2007?
     

• Scroll down to the title "Why Do We See the Moon in 'Phases'".  Examine the interactive diagram.  Notice the change in how the half of the moon that faces Earth reflects sunlight when orbiting Earth.

  • According to this Web site, what causes the phases of the moon?

• Now that you have reviewed the phases of the moon as the moon revolves Earth, it is time to take a quiz.  Go to Star Child: Moonlight Madness and take an online quiz.   When you are finished taking this phases of the moon quiz, click on "Check my answers" print your answers, and attach it to your worksheet.  To save paper and ink please click on "Show me a printable version of this page".

• The phases of the moon do not change overnight, rather it is a transition that takes many nights.  To get an idea of the period of time it takes the moon to transition to the next phase, go to "Zoom Astronomy: The Phases of the Moon" 

  • What is the time period from New Moon to Waxing Crescent?

    • From Waxing Crescent to First Quarter?

    • First Quarter to Waxing Gibbous?

    • Waxing Gibbous to Full Moon?

    • Full Moon to Waning Gibbous?

    • Waning Gibbous to Third Quarter?

    • Third Quarter to Waning Crescent?

    • Waning Crescent to New Moon?

Mission Accomplished!