Catalyst

1. Take your manila folder, a Catalyst Sheet, and a small piece of blank paper (by Catalyst Sheets) to your desk.

2. On your Catalyst Sheet, answer the following:

How do Earth’s movements affect our concept of time including days, seasons, and years?

Catalyst Answers

Day 1 day = 1 rotation of Earth (24 hours)

Season Based on Earth’s revolution around the

sun Changes because of Earth’s tilted axis▪ 23.5° from vertical

Year 1 solar year = 1 revolution around sun

(~365 days)

Agenda

Catalyst Opening/Objective Mini-Lesson: Moon Features Table-Partner Work: Formation

Theories Closing Exit Ticket Homework Completion Time!

Announcements

Welcome to your final quarter! Let’s make this your most successful

quarter yet!

Astronomy Books Don’t forget to ALWAYS bring these to

class! If you haven’t gotten one, please see me

after class.

Announcements

Calendar Homework Due TODAY Turn-in (INBOX!) at the end of class If you need a copy (excused absence

last class, etc.)▪ Check the “Extra Copies” folder in the black

bin▪ Assignment is also posted online

Objective

By the end of class, CWBAT briefly review the beginnings of space exploration, properly identify features of the Moon’s surface, and will create a foldable analyzing the theories of how the moon formed.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.11-12.4 Determine the meaning of symbols, key terms, and other domain-specific words and phrases as they are used in a specific scientific or technical context relevant togrades 11–12 texts and topics.

Mini-Lesson

Take out your notebooks and a writing instrument. Remember: The most important pieces

of information are in red/blue, underlined, bolded, or in italics.

The Moon’s FeaturesHighlands, and maria, and craters…oh my!

Learning About the Moon For many years all we

had were telescopic observations. Check-In: What are the

two types of visible light telescopes?

Reflective telescopes and refractive telescopes

Most of our current knowledge comes from space probes and astronauts.

First Satellite

Sputnik I Launched in 1957 by the

Soviet Union This began the “Space

Race” between the Soviet Union and the United States.▪ Competition for supremacy

in space exploration.

Extra Credit Opportunity

On the small piece of paper given to you, answer the following: Who was the first

human in space? (Be sure to put your

name at the top!)

45 seconds

Place in basket as I come around.

Guesses?

And the Winner Is…

Yuri A. Gagarin Soviet cosmonaut▪ What is the difference

between a cosmonaut and an astronaut?

▪ Nationality▪ Astronaut: United

States▪ Cosmonauts: Soviet

Union

Went into space in 1961

Reaching the Moon

Though the Soviet Union put the first human in space, the United States won the race to the Moon.

Apollo 11 July 20, 1969 Buzz Aldrin and Neil

Armstrong land on the Moon

So What Did They See?

The lunar surface is very different from the surface of Earth. Any examples you

can think of?

The Lunar Surface

The surface of the Moon is quite dark, despite being so bright in our night sky.

This is due to its small albedo. The amount of sunlight

an object’s surface reflects.

Moon’s albedo: 7% Earth’s albedo: 31%

The Lunar Surface: Temperature No atmosphere

So what? The amount of sunlight

absorbed by the surface of the Moon contributes to its extreme temperature differences.

Sunlight 127 °C (260.6 °F)

No sunlight -173 °C (-279.4 °F)

Really Hot!

Really Cold!

Lunar Surface: Physical Features

Very different from Earth No erosion (minus that

caused by recent impacts)

Why?▪ No atmosphere▪ No water

Features of the Moon

Highlands Light in color Mountainous Heavily covered with

craters Maria (singular,

mare) Dark, smooth plains ~3 km lower in

elevation than highlands

Features of the Moon

Impact craters All craters on the

Moon are impact craters

Caused by objects from space crashing into the Moon’s surface

Ejecta The material

blasted out during impacts which falls back to the surface

Features of the Moon

Rays Long trails of

ejecta radiating out from a crater

Features of the Moon

Rilles Valley-like

structures found in the maria

Quick Check!

Hold up the number of fingers that corresponds with the correct answer.

Which area of the Moon is known for its numerous craters?1. Highlands2. Maria3. Albedo

Answer

Which area of the Moon is known for it’s numerous craters?1. Highlands2. Maria3. Albedo

Quick Check!

Which area of the Moon is known for being very smooth with few craters?1. Highlands2. Maria3. Albedo

Answer

Which area of the Moon is known for being very smooth with few craters?1. Highlands2. Maria3. Albedo

Creative Study: Formation Theories

1. Read “History of the Moon” on pages 755-757 in the Earth Science Books.

2. Create a foldable about the three major theories regarding the formation of the Moon.

You must include:▪ The name of each theory▪ A brief description of it in your OWN

words▪ Why it is commonly rejected or

accepted

You may work with your table partner, but every person needs to have their own sheet! Feel free to add pictures!

Description

Accepted or Rejected and Why?

(Name 1)

(Name 2)

(Name 3)

Closing

By the end of class, CWBAT briefly review the beginnings of space exploration, properly identify features of the Moon’s surface, and will create a foldable analyzing the theories of how the moon formed.

Thumbs-Up/Thumbs-Down?

Exit Ticket

1. On your Catalyst Sheet, answer the following:

List at least 3 features of the Moon’s surface and briefly describe each one.

2. Place your completed Catalyst Sheets in the INBOX.

3. Take a Homework Sheet from near the black bin and get started.