8th grade Science Spencer/ Peddalagalla
20 Day Lesson Plans Packet #2:
Sun Moon and Earth Week 1 (April 3-9)
Week 2 (April 20-24)
Moon Phases Week 3 (April 27- May 1) Week 4 (May 4- May 8)
Standards/SEP
Indicator: 8.E.4B.3 (Weeks 1-2) SEP: 8.S.1A.2 and 8.S.1A.4 8.E.4B.3: Develop and use models to explain how seasons, caused by the tilt of Earth’s axis as it orbits the Sun, affects the length of the day and the amount of heating on Earth’s surface Indicator: 8.E.4B.4 (Weeks 3-4) SEP: 8.S.1A.2 and 8.S.1A.6 8.E.4B.4: Develop and use models to explain how motions within the Sun-Earth-Moon system cause Earth phenomena (including day and year, Moon phases, solar and lunar eclipses, and tides).
Learning Targets/ I Can
Statements
I can explain how seasons, caused by the tilt of Earth’s axis as it orbits the sun, affects the length of the day and the amount of heating on the Earth’s surface. (Weeks 1-2) I can explain how motions within the Sun-Earth-Moon system causes earth phenomena (including day and year, moon phases) (Weeks 3-4) I can create models to explain how celestial movements cause earth phenomena. (Weeks 3-4)
Essential Question(s)
(Weeks 1-2)
• Why does the equator experience equal amounts of daylight throughout the year while the poles experience part of the year in total darkness or total light?
• If the pole experiences daylight for 24 hours a day why is it still cold?
• Why does South Carolina experience winter while we are at the closest point in our orbit to the Sun?
(Weeks 3-4)
• Why is the phrase “Dark Side of the Moon” a misnomer?
• How are rotation and revolution related to cycles in our world?
• Why do we say the Moon is in “First Quarter” instead of “Half Moon” phase?
Resources
(Weeks 1-2)
• McGraw-Hill Interactive Workbook: Sun Moon and Earth PDF
• McGraw-Hill Reading Coach: Reading passage PDF
• 1-pager Sun Moon and Earth USA Test Prep: • Sun Earth Moon Review (Note: The USA Test Prep assignments are optional. Students that complete 21 USA Test Prep assignments (USATP) with an 80 or higher grade can substitute these assignments for up to 3 days of a two-week packets assignments. (Note: 7 USATP = 1 Packet Day; 14 USATP= 2 Packet Days; 21 USATP= 3 Packet Days)
(Weeks 3-4)
• McGraw-Hill Interactive Workbook: Moon Phases PDF
• McGraw-Hill Reading Coach: Reading passage PDF
• 1-pager Moon Phases USA Test Prep:
• Moon Phases Review (Note: The USA Test Prep assignments are optional. Students that complete 21 USA Test Prep assignments (USATP) with an 80 or higher grade can substitute these assignments for up to 3 days of a two-week packets assignments. (Note: 7 USATP = 1 Packet Day; 14 USATP= 2 Packet Days; 21 USATP= 3 Packet Days)
Learning Activities or Experiences
(Weeks 1-2)
Day 1-2: Rotation/ Revolution
• Complete Content Vocabulary and Lesson Outline on pgs. 9-10 in the Sun Moon and Earth pdf
• Read pgs. 1-6 in the Sun Moon and earth reading pdf to assist you in completing your content vocabulary and lesson outline
• Begin USA Test Prep - Sun Moon and Earth Review
Day 3-4: Rotation/Revolution
• Complete Lesson outline (continued) and Content practice A on pgs. 11 and 13 in the Earth, Moon, and Sun pdf.
• Read pgs. 1-6 in the Sun Moon and earth reading pdf to assist you in completing your lesson outline(continued) and content practice.
• USA Test Prep- Sun Moon and Earth Review
Day 5: Earth’s Orbit
• Complete Content practice B and Math skills on pgs. 14 and 15 in the Earth, Moon, and Sun pdf.
• Read pgs. 1-6 in the Sun Moon and earth reading pdf to assist you in completing your lesson outline(continued) and content practice.
• USA Test Prep- Sun Moon and Earth Review
Day 6-8: Earth’s motion
• Complete School to home and Key concept builder (fill-in the blank) on pgs. 16 and 17 in the Earth, Moon, and Sun pdf.
• Read pgs. 1-6 in the Sun Moon and earth reading pdf to assist you in completing your lesson outline(continued) and content practice.
• Begin 1-pager Sun Moon and Earth Day 9: Seasons
• Complete Key concept builder (cause and effect) and Key concept builder (short answer) on pgs. 18 and 19 in the Earth, Moon, and Sun pdf.
• Read pgs. 1-6 in the Sun Moon and earth reading pdf to assist you in completing your lesson outline(continued) and content practice.
• 1-pager Sun Moon and Earth Day 10: Solstice and Equinox
• Complete Key concept builder (Q and A), Enrichment, and Challenge pgs. 20, 21 and 22 in the Earth, Moon, and Sun pdf.
• Read pgs. 1-6 in the Sun Moon and earth reading pdf to assist you in completing your lesson outline(continued) and content practice.
• 1-pager Sun Moon and Earth Note: Parent supervision and assistance is required to complete pages (Inquiry Skill practice) 23-26. These pages are not required to receive credit for this assignment. (Weeks 3-4) Day 11-12: Earths’ moon • Complete Content Vocabulary and Lesson Outline on pgs. 29-30 in the Moon Phases pdf • Read pgs. 1-4 in the Moon Phases reading pdf to assist you in completing your content vocabulary and lesson outline • Begin USA Test Prep- Moon Phases Review Day 13-14: Earth’s moon • Complete Lesson outline (continued) and Mini-Lab on pgs. 31 and 32 in the Moon Phases pdf. (Note: You are required to complete the Mini Lab with a parent or guardian while they are supervising you) • Read pgs. 1-4 in the Moon Phases reading pdf to assist you in completing your lesson outline(continued) and content practice. • USA Test Prep- Moon Phases Review Day 15: Earth’s Moon • Complete Content Practice A and Content Practice B on pgs. 33 and 34 in the Moon Phases pdf. • Read pgs. 1-4 in the Moon Phases reading pdf to assist you in completing your lesson outline(continued) and content practice. • USA Test Prep-Moon Phases Review
Day 16-18: Earth’s Moon • Complete School to Home and Key concept builder (fill-in the blank) on pgs. 35 and 36 in the Moon Phases pdf. • Read pgs. 1-4 in the Moon Phases reading pdf to assist you in completing your lesson outline(continued) and content practice. • Begin 1-pager Moon Phases Day 19: Phases of the Moon • Complete Key concept builder (short answer) and Key concept builder (short answer) on pgs. 37 and 38 in the Moon Phases pdf. • Read pgs. 1-4 in the Moon Phases reading pdf to assist you in completing your lesson outline(continued) and content practice. • 1-pager Moon Phases Day 20: Phases of the Moon • Complete Key concept builder (Q & A), Enrichment, and Challenge on pgs. 39, 40 and 41 in the Moon Phase pdf. • Read pgs. 1-4 in the Moon Phases reading pdf to assist you in completing your lesson outline(continued) and content practice. • 1-pager Moon Phases Note: Parent supervision and assistance is required to complete page(Inquiry Skill practice) 32. This page is not required to receive credit for this assignment.
Office Hours
• I am available Monday- Friday from 9:30-11:00am and 1:00-2:30 pm to answer questions through email at [email protected]
• I will also send out weekly reminders through my Edmodo page. **Note: Students must complete and submit all required assignments. **
mailto:[email protected]
Cop
yrig
ht ©
Gle
ncoe
/McG
raw
-Hill
, a d
ivis
ion
of T
he M
cGra
w-H
ill C
ompa
nies
, Inc
.
Earth and the SunIf you look around you, it does not seem as if Earth
is moving. The ground, trees, and buildings do not seem to be moving. But Earth is always in motion. It spins and moves around the Sun. Earth’s motion causes changes on Earth. As Earth spins, day changes to night and back to day again. The seasons change as Earth moves around the Sun. Summer turns to winter because Earth’s motion changes how energy from the Sun spreads out over Earth’s surface.
The SunThe nearest star to Earth is the Sun. The Sun is about 150
million km from Earth. The Sun is much larger than Earth. The Sun’s diameter is more than 100 times greater than Earth’s diameter. The Sun’s mass is more than 300,000 times greater than Earth’s mass.
The Sun is a giant ball of hot gases. It emits light and energy. Inside the Sun, the nuclei of atoms combine to produce huge amounts of energy. This process is called nuclear fusion. Nuclear fusion produces so much energy that the Sun’s core temperature is more than 15,000,000°C. Even at the Sun’s surface, the temperature is about 5,500°C. A small part of the Sun’s energy reaches Earth as light and thermal energy.
The Sun-Earth-Moon System
Earth’s Motion
C193_001_007_RE_L1_889407.indd 1C193_001_007_RE_L1_889407.indd 1 24/2/10 13:14:4024/2/10 13:14:40
Copyright ©
Glencoe/M
cGraw
-Hill, a division of T
he McG
raw-H
ill Com
panies, Inc.
Earth’s OrbitThe motion of one object around another object is called
revolution. Earth makes one complete revolution around the Sun every 365.24 days. The path an object follows as it moves around another object is an orbit. Earth orbits the Sun in an almost circular path. Earth’s orbit is shown below.
The Sun’s Gravitational PullEarth orbits the Sun because the Sun’s gravity pulls on
Earth. The strength of gravity’s pull between two objects depends on the masses of the objects and the distance between them. An object with more mass has a greater pull of gravity than an object with less mass. Likewise, gravity’s pull is greater on objects that are closer together.
Earth’s orbit around the Sun, shown above, is like the motion of an object twirled on a string. The string pulls on the object and moves it in a circle. If the string breaks, the object flies off in a straight line. The Sun’s gravity is like the string. Gravity keeps Earth revolving around the Sun in a nearly circular orbit. If the pull of gravity between the Sun and Earth stopped suddenly, Earth would fly off into space in a straight line.
Earth’s RotationAs Earth revolves around the Sun, it spins. A spinning
motion is called rotation. Earth rotates on an imaginary line that runs through its center. The line on which an object rotates is the rotation axis.
If you could look down onto Earth’s North Pole, you would see that Earth rotates in a counterclockwise direction, from west to east. One complete rotation of Earth takes about 24 hours. One rotation completes Earth’s cycle of day and night. It is daytime on the half of Earth that faces the Sun. It is nighttime on the half of Earth that faces away from the Sun.
Earth’s motion without the Sun’s gravitational pull
July 4Earth is farthest from the Sun.
Gravitational pull of the Sun January 3
Earth is closest to the Sun.
Earth
152 million km
147 millionkm
Sun
Earth’s Orbit
C193_001_007_RE_L1_889407.indd 2C193_001_007_RE_L1_889407.indd 2 24/2/10 13:14:4424/2/10 13:14:44
Cop
yrig
ht ©
Gle
ncoe
/McG
raw
-Hill
, a d
ivis
ion
of T
he M
cGra
w-H
ill C
ompa
nies
, Inc
.
The Sun’s Apparent Motion Each day, the Sun appears to move across the sky from east to west. It seems as if the Sun is moving around Earth. In fact, it is Earth’s rotation that causes the Sun’s apparent motion.
Earth rotates from west to east. This makes the Sun appear to move from east to west across the sky. The Moon and stars also seem to move from east to west across the sky due to Earth’s west-to-east rotation. Earth’s west-to-east rotation causes apparent east-to-west motion in the sky.
The Tilt of Earth’s Rotation Axis Earth’s rotation axis is tilted, as shown in the figure below. The tilt of Earth’s rotation axis does not change. During one-half of Earth’s orbit, the north end of the rotation axis is toward the Sun. During the other half of Earth’s orbit, the north end of the rotation axis is away from the Sun.
Temperature and LatitudeAs Earth orbits the Sun, the Sun shines on the half of
Earth that faces the Sun. Sunlight carries energy. The more sunlight that reaches a part of Earth’s surface, the warmer that part becomes. Because Earth’s surface is curved, different parts of Earth’s surface get different amounts of the Sun’s energy.
Energy Received by a Tilted SurfaceSuppose you shine a flashlight onto a flat card. The beam
shines in a circle on the card. As you tilt the top of the card away from the beam of light, the light becomes more spread out on the card’s surface. The energy that the light beam carries also spreads out more over the card’s surface. An area on the surface within the light beam receives less energy when the surface is more tilted relative to the light beam.
SeptemberDecember
N
S
N
S
N
S
N
S
JuneMarch
Earth
Earth’s orbit
Sun
Rotationaxis
C193_001_007_RE_L1_889407.indd 3C193_001_007_RE_L1_889407.indd 3 24/2/10 13:14:4924/2/10 13:14:49
Copyright ©
Glencoe/M
cGraw
-Hill, a division of T
he McG
raw-H
ill Com
panies, Inc.
The Tilt of Earth’s Curved SurfaceInstead of being flat and vertical like the card shown
above on the left, Earth’s surface is curved and tilted, somewhat like the card on the right. Earth’s surface becomes more tilted as you move away from the equator and toward the poles. As a result, regions of Earth near the poles receive less energy than areas near the equator. This is why Earth is warmer at the equator and colder at the poles.
SeasonsYou might think that summer happens when Earth is
closest to the Sun. However, seasonal changes do not depend on Earth’s distance from the Sun. In fact, Earth is closest to the Sun in January! The tilt of Earth’s rotation axis and Earth’s motion around the Sun cause the seasons to change.
Spring and Summer in the Northern HemisphereDuring one-half of Earth’s orbit, the north end of the
rotation axis is toward the Sun. Then, the northern hemisphere receives more energy from the Sun than the southern hemisphere does. See the figure on the right on the next page.
Temperatures are higher in the northern hemisphere and lower in the southern hemisphere. Daylight hours last longer in the northern hemisphere. Nights last longer in the southern hemisphere. It is spring and summer in the northern hemisphere and fall and winter in the southern hemisphere.
Fall and Winter in the Northern HemisphereDuring the other half of Earth’s orbit, the north end of
the rotation axis is away from the Sun, as shown in the left figure on the next page. Then, the northern hemisphere receives less energy from the Sun than the southern hemisphere does.
Temperatures are cooler in the northern hemisphere and warmer in the southern hemisphere. It is fall and winter in the northern hemisphere. At the same time, spring and summer occur in the southern hemisphere.
Surface is vertical. Surface is tilted.
The dotted line shows the area covered by the light beam before the surface was tilted.
When the surfaceis tilted, the light beam is spread out over a larger area.
C193_001_007_RE_L1_889407.indd 4C193_001_007_RE_L1_889407.indd 4 24/2/10 13:14:5724/2/10 13:14:57
Cop
yrig
ht ©
Gle
ncoe
/McG
raw
-Hill
, a d
ivis
ion
of T
he M
cGra
w-H
ill C
ompa
nies
, Inc
.
Solstices, Equinoxes, and the Seasonal CycleAs Earth travels around the Sun, Earth’s rotation axis
always points in the same direction in space. But the amount that Earth’s rotation axis is toward or away from the Sun changes. This causes the yearly cycle of the seasons.
There are four days each year when the direction of Earth’s axis is special relative to the Sun. A solstice is a day when Earth’s rotation axis is the most toward or away from the Sun. Anequinox is a day when Earth’s rotation axis is leaning along Earth’s orbit, neither toward or away from the Sun.
March Equinox to June Solstice The north end of the rotation axis slowly points more and more toward the Sun. As a result, the northern hemisphere slowly receives more solar energy. Spring takes place in the northern hemisphere.
June Solstice to September Equinox The north end of the rotation axis still points toward the Sun but does so less and less. The northern hemisphere starts to receive less solar energy. This is summer in the northern hemisphere.
September Equinox to December Solstice The north end of the rotation axis points more and more away from the Sun. The northern hemisphere receives less and less solar energy. Fall takes place in the northern hemisphere.
December Solstice to March Equinox The north end of the rotation axis still points away from the Sun but does so less and less. As a result, the northern hemisphere starts to receive more solar energy. This is winter in the northern hemisphere. Earth’s seasonal cycle is summarized in the table on the next page.
N Northern hemispherereceives less sunlight.
Southern hemispherereceives less sunlight.
Southernhemisphere
receives moresunlight.
Northernhemisphere
receives moresunlight.
N
S S
North end of rotation axis points away from the Sun. North end of rotation axis points toward the Sun.
C193_001_007_RE_L1_889407.indd 5C193_001_007_RE_L1_889407.indd 5 24/2/10 13:15:0324/2/10 13:15:03
Copyright ©
Glencoe/M
cGraw
-Hill, a division of T
he McG
raw-H
ill Com
panies, Inc.
Earth’s Seasonal CycleDecember Solstice
• The December solstice is on December 21 or 22.
• The north end of Earth’s axis is leaning farthest from the Sun. The south end is closest.
• The northern hemisphere has its fewest number of daylight hours, and winter begins.
• The southern hemisphere has its greatest number of daylight hours, and summer begins.
March Equinox• The March equinox is on March
20 or 21.• Both ends of Earth’s rotation axis
are equal distances from the Sun.• There are about 12 hours of
daylight and 12 hours of night everywhere on Earth.
• Spring begins in the northern hemisphere.
• Fall begins in the southern hemisphere.
June Solstice• The June solstice is on June 20
or 21.
• The north end of Earth’s axis is leaning closest to the Sun. The south end is farthest away.
• The northern hemisphere has the greatest number of daylight hours, and summer begins.
• The southern hemisphere has the fewest number of daylight hours, and winter begins.
September Equinox• The September equinox is on
September 22 or 23.• Both ends of Earth’s rotation axis
are equal distances from the Sun.• There are about 12 hours of
daylight and 12 hours of night everywhere on Earth.
• Fall begins in the northern hemisphere.
• Spring begins in the southern hemisphere.
Changes in the Sun’s Apparent Path Across the Sky
As the seasons change, the Sun’s apparent path across the sky also changes. In the northern hemisphere, the Sun’s path through the sky is highest on the June solstice. Similarly, the Sun’s path is lowest on the December solstice.
C193_001_007_RE_L1_889407.indd 6C193_001_007_RE_L1_889407.indd 6 24/2/10 13:15:1024/2/10 13:15:10
Name Date Class
LESSON 1
Earth’s Motion Directions: Explain the differences between/among each set of terms. Then explain how the terms in each set
are related.
Terms What is the difference
between/among the terms? How are the terms related?
Revolution, rotation
Orbit, revolution
Rotation, rotation axis, equator
Solstice, equinox
The Sun-Earth-Moon System 9
Content Vocabulary
Name Date Class
LESSON 1
Earth’s Motion
A. Earth and the Sun
1. The diameter is more than 100 times greater than
Earth’s diameter.
a. In the Sun, atoms combine during , producing huge
amounts of energy.
b. Some of the Sun’s energy reaches Earth as thermal energy
and .
2. is the movement of one object around another object.
a. The path a revolving object follows is its .
b. It takes approximately one for Earth to make one
revolution around the Sun.
c. Earth moves around the Sun because of the pull of
between Earth and the Sun.
3. The force of gravity between two objects depends on the
of the objects and how far apart they are.
4. The of an object is its spinning motion.
a. The line around which an object rotates is the .
b. Looking at Earth from above the North Pole, Earth rotates in a(n) direction from west to east.
c. Earth’s rotation makes the Sun appear to rise in the .
5. It takes one for Earth to complete one rotation.
6. Earth’s rotation axis is always in the same direction.
B. Temperature and Latitude
1. The Sun shines on the part of Earth that the Sun.
2. When light shines on a tilted surface, the light is more
than it would be on a surface that is not tilted.
a. Because of the tilt of Earth’s axis, Earth’s surface becomes more tilted as you move away from the .
b. As a result of this tilt, regions of Earth near the
receive less energy than regions near the .
10 The Sun-Earth-Moon System
Lesson Outline
Name Date Class
Lesson Outline continued
C. Seasons
1. Earth’s change in a yearly cycle because of the tilt of its
rotation axis and Earth’s around the Sun.
2. The end of Earth’s that is tilted toward the Sun receives
more energy from the Sun.
a. The part of Earth tilted toward the Sun experiences seasons of spring and
. If the northern end of Earth’s axis leans toward
the Sun, it is spring or summer in the hemisphere.
b. The part of Earth tilted away from the Sun experiences seasons of autumn
and . If the southern end of Earth’s axis leans toward
the Sun, it is fall or winter in the hemisphere.
3. During a(n) , Earth’s rotation axis is the most toward
or away from the Sun.
a. Solstices occur each year.
b. The June solstice is the first day of in the northern
hemisphere.
c. On the December solstice, the end of Earth’s rotation
axis leans the most away from the Sun.
4. During its revolution, Earth’s axis does not lean toward or away from the Sun
during a(n) .
a. The September equinox marks the first day of in the
southern hemisphere.
b. The March equinox marks the first day of in the
northern hemisphere.
5. The Sun’s apparent path through the sky in the northern hemisphere is
near the June solstice and
near the December solstice.
The Sun-Earth-Moon System 11
Name Date Class
LESSON 1
Earth’s Motion Directions: Complete the chart by writing each statement in the correct space.
• Earth spins on its rotation axis in a counterclockwise direction.
• One Earth day equals 24 hours.
• It takes approximately one year to orbit the Sun.
• If the gravity between Earth and the Sun somehow stopped, Earth would fly off into space in a straight line.
• Each day the Sun appears to move from east to west across the sky.
• Changes in the seasons are caused by changes in the amount of sunlight striking Earth.
• Summer and winter are opposite seasons in the northern and southern hemispheres.
• Earth moves around the Sun.
• Earth moves in a counterclockwise motion.
Earth’s Rotation Earth’s Revolution Tilt of Earth on Its Axis
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
The Sun-Earth-Moon System 13
Content Practice A
Name Date Class
LESSON 1
Earth’s Motion Directions: Answer each question on the lines provided.
1. What are three important facts to remember about Earth’s orbit?
2. What are two important facts to remember about Earth’s rotation?
3. What is meant by Earth’s rotation axis?
4. Why does Earth’s rotation axis lean toward the Sun for only one-half of its orbit?
5. How does Earth’s rotation axis cause seasons to change?
14 The Sun-Earth-Moon System
Content Practice B
Name Date Class
LESSON 1
Convert Units Distance is measured in customary units such as inches, feet, and miles, or in metric units
such as centimeters, meters, and kilometers. To convert between units in different systems,
multiply by an approximate conversion factor.
Since 1 mile is approximately equal to 1.609 kilometers and 1 kilometer is approximately
equal to 0.621 miles, you can use these conversion factors.
To convert miles to kilometers, Example:
multiply by km
mi
1.61
1.
miles = = km3 ×1.61
3 4.831
To convert kilometers to miles, Example:
multiply by km
km
0.62
1.
km = = mi3 × 0.62
3 1.861
Pearl agreed to run a 5-km race with her friend. How many miles will they run?
Step 1 Identify the conversion factor.
You need to convert from kilometers to miles.
The conversion factor is 0.62
1.
Step 2 Write the equation to calculate the conversion.
x=5 × 0.62
1
Step 3 Multiply.
=5 × 0.62
3.11
Pearl and her friend will run 3.1 miles.
Practice
1. New York and Los Angeles are separated by about 4,300 km. What is the
distance between the cities in miles?
2. An airplane is cruising at a height of 5.7 mi. How high is the airplane in
kilometers?
3. The Moon is about 384,000 km from Earth’s surface. How many miles away
is the Moon?
4. The International Space Station orbits about 220 mi above Earth. How high
is the station in kilometers?
The Sun-Earth-Moon System 15
Math Skills
Name Date Class
LESSON 1
Reviewing the Main Ideas Directions: Use your textbook to answer each question.
1. Earth follows an orbit as it makes a revolution around the Sun.
What is the relationship between a revolution and an orbit?
2. The temperature on any area of Earth’s surface depends on the amount of energy it receives from the Sun.
Why are autumn temperatures in Texas usually warmer than autumn temperatures
in Illinois?
3. Earth’s rotation is its spinning motion.
would day and night on Earth be different if the planet did not rotate?
4. During one half of the year, the north end of Earth’s rotation axis leans toward the Sun; during the other half, it leans away.
Does Earth’s axis actually tilt one way and then shift to tilt the other way? Explain.
16 The Sun-Earth-Moon System
School to Home
Name Date Class
LESSON 1
Earth’s Motion
Key Concept How does Earth move?
Directions: On each line, write the term or phrase that correctly completes each sentence.
1. Earth spins on its .
2. It takes about for Earth to rotate one time.
3. A term that is used to describe Earth’s orbit around the Sun is
Earth’s. .
4. The. of Earth’s rotation axis stays the same as it orbits
the Sun.
5. For one half of the year, the north end of Earth’s rotation leans
toward. .
6. The Sun appears to move from to
across the sky.
7. makes the Sun appear to move across the sky.
8. Earth spins in a(n) direction.
9. The Moon and stars seem to move from to across the night sky.
10. As Earth moves around the Sun, the change.
11. The shape of Earth’s orbit is nearly .
12. Earth moves around the Sun because the Sun’s pulls
on Earth.
13. When it is daytime on the half of Earth facing the Sun, it is
on the other half of Earth.
14. Earth would fly off into space in a straight line if the
between Earth and the Sun ended.
15. Earth’s is an imaginary line on which it rotates.
16. Earth’s rotation axis is .
The Sun-Earth-Moon System 17
Key Concept Builder
Name Date Class
LESSON 1
Earth’s Motion
Key Concept Why is Earth warmer at the equator and colder at the poles?
Directions: On the line before each effect, write the letter of the cause that correctly completes each sentence.
Some causes might be used more than once.
Effect
1. The light energy absorbed by a surface depends on
2. A beam of light becomes more spread out as
3. Energy is carried to Earth in
4. Some energy is absorbed by Earth’s surface when
5. Energy is less concentrated near
6. Less energy reaches the poles because
7. Earth is warmest at the equator because
8. Earth is coldest at the poles because
9. Surface temperature depends on the amount of
10. The surface of Earth
11. Less energy is received in regions where
12. A beam of light
13. Earth is warm at the equator and cold at
Cause
A. the surface tilts away from it.
B. carries energy.
C. the beam of light reaches Earth.
D. the tilt of the surface.
E. the beam of light is spread out more.
F. energy is concentrated there.
G. Earth’s poles.
H. tilt is the greatest there.
I. energy absorbed by the surface.
J. a beam of sunlight.
K. is curved.
18 The Sun-Earth-Moon System
Key Concept Builder
Name Date Class
LESSON 1
Earth’s Motion
Key Concept Why do the seasons change as Earth moves around the Sun?
Directions: Answer each question on the lines provided. Use complete sentences.
1. What is a solstice?
2. How do the lengths of day contrast for the summer solstice and winter solstice?
3. What is an equinox?
4. How do the lengths of daylight hours and nighttime hours everywhere on Earth compare on an equinox?
5. How does the tilt of Earth on its rotation axis relate to the change of seasons?
The Sun-Earth-Moon System 19
Key Concept Builder
Name Date Class
LESSON 1
Earth’s Motion
Key Concept Why do the seasons change as Earth moves around the Sun?
Directions: Answer each question in the space provided.
December Solstice March Equinox June Solstice September Equinox
1. Where does the north end of Earth’s axis lean at this time of the year?
2. What is true about the number of daylight hours at this time of the year?
3. Where does the north end of Earth’s axis lean at this time of the year?
4. What is true about the number of daylight hours at this time of the year?
5. Which season does this day mark in the northern hemisphere?
In the southern hemisphere?
6. Which season does this day mark in the northern hemisphere?
In the southern hemisphere?
7. Which season does this day mark in the northern hemisphere?
In the southern hemisphere?
8. Which season does this day mark in the northern hemisphere?
In the southern hemisphere?
9. Why are temperatures cooler in the northern hemisphere at this time?
10. What can be said about the distribution of sunlight at this time?
11. Why are temperatures warmer in the northern hemisphere at this time?
12. What can be said about the distribution of sunlight at this time?
20 The Sun-Earth-Moon System
Key Concept Builder
Name Date Class
LESSON 1
Earth’s Motion Although you cannot feel it, Earth is
moving. It moves around the Sun and its
own axis. But for a long time, humans
thought Earth was the center of the universe.
The Geocentric Model
For most of human history, the universe
consisted of everything in the sky that could
be seen with the unaided eye. The geocentric
model of the universe holds that everything
in the universe—the Sun, Moon, planets,
and stars—orbits Earth. The geocentric model
was the system that Aristotle (384–322 B.C.)
and Ptolemy (165– ~85 B.C.) taught.
Because observations were made by the
unaided eye, the scientists of ancient Greece
made two assumptions that supported the
geocentric model. One assumption was that,
because no one felt Earth move, it had to be
stationary in space. Otherwise things that
were not rooted to Earth, such as animals,
would fly away. The second assumption was
that other objects in space move around
Earth each day. The Sun apparently rises on
one side and sets on another side, and star
formations apparently move across the sky.
The Heliocentric Model
The geocentric model was gradually replaced
by the heliocentric model of
Copernicus, Galileo, and Kepler.
Heliocentrism is the theory that the Sun
is the center of the solar system, and
everything in the solar system revolves
around the Sun. A distinction between
the solar system and the universe became
clear only after the advent of the telescope.
In the sixteenth century, the astronomer
Nicolaus Copernicus (1473–1543)
designed a mathematical model of a
heliocentric system, which was later
expanded and defended by Kepler and
Galileo. Copernicus concluded that Earth
is a planet that revolves around the Sun.
To look at the sky, it seems that Earth
stays in one place and everything else
rises and sets or moves around. But
Copernicus observed that, over time, the
movements are more complicated. The
Sun makes a slower circle over the course
of a year, and the planets sometimes
reverse direction for a time.
Galileo Galilei (1564–1642) was the first scientist
to view the universe through a
telescope, which allowed him to make
discoveries such as sunspots, topography of
the Moon, and some of the moons of
Jupiter. He was able to confirm
Copernicus’s heliocentric model.
Applying Critical-Thinking Skills
Directions: Respond to each statement.
1. Compare the motions of Earth, the Sun, and the Moon in geocentric and heliocentric models of the universe.
2. Explain the two major motions of Earth in space that can be observed and justified by the geocentric model.
3. Interpret this statement: “All fields of science are accumulations of knowledge.” Explain how this applies to modern sciences, including the science of astronomy.
The Sun-Earth-Moon System 21
Enrichment
Name Date Class
LESSON 1
Earth’s Motion
Seasons and Solstices Earth makes one complete revolution about the Sun each year. Changes in the seasons
are caused not by the varying distance between Earth and the Sun but by the tilt of Earth
on its axis during that revolution. As Earth orbits the Sun, there are times of the year when
the North Pole is alternately tilted toward the Sun or tilted away from the Sun. At other
times the axis is generally parallel to the incoming Sun’s rays.
Draw a Diagram On a separate sheet of paper, draw Earth in four positions—at the March and September
equinoxes and the June and December solstices. Clearly indicate the tilt of Earth’s axis.
Include the Sun and the direction of Earth’s revolution around the Sun. Indicate the angle
of the Sun’s rays at each position.
Directions: Respond to each statement on the lines provided.
1. Determine Earth’s season in each hemisphere at each solstice. Include relative daytime length.
2. Explain why all locations on Earth have equal hours of day and night on about March 21 and September 23.
3. Decide which position on Earth (equator or pole) receives the greatest intensity of sunlight on June 21. Justify your answer.
22 The Sun-Earth-Moon System
Challenge
Name Date Class
Draw Conclusions LESSON 1: 25 minutes
How does Earth’s tilted rotation axis affect the seasons?
The seasons change as Earth revolves around the Sun. How does Earth’s tilted rotation axis
change how sunlight spreads out over different parts of Earth’s surface?
Materials large foam ball wooden skewer foam cup
masking tape flashlight
Safety
Learn It Using a flashlight as the Sun and a foam ball as Earth, you can model how solar energy
spreads out over Earth’s surface at different times during the year. This will help you draw
conclusions about Earth’s seasons.
Try It
1. Read and complete a lab safety form.
2. Insert a wooden skewer through the center of a foam ball. Draw a line on the ball to represent Earth’s equator. Insert one end of the skewer into an upside-down foam cup
so the skewer tilts.
3. Prop a flashlight on a stack of books about 0.5 m from the ball. Turn on the flashlight and position the ball so the skewer points toward the flashlight, representing the June
solstice.
4. In the space below, draw how the ball’s surface is tilted relative to the light beam.
5. Under your diagram, state whether the upper (northern) or lower (southern) hemisphere receives more light energy.
The Sun-Earth-Moon System 23
Skill Practice
Name Date Class
Skill Practice continued
6. With the skewer always pointing in the same direction, move the ball around the flashlight. Turn the flashlight to keep the light on the ball. At the three positions
corresponding to the equinoxes and other solstice, make drawings like those in step 4
and statements like those in step 5.
Apply It
7. How did the tilt of the surfaces change relative to the light beam as the ball circled the flashlight?
8. How did the amount of light energy on each hemisphere change as the ball moved around the flashlight?
9. Key Concept Draw conclusions about how Earth’s tilt affects the seasons.
24 The Sun-Earth-Moon System
Name Date Class
LESSON 1
Earth’s Motion
True or False
Directions: On the line before each statement, write T if the statement is true or F if the statement is false.
1. Earth’s orbit is nearly circular.
2. The motion of Earth around the Sun is Earth’s rotation.
3. As Earth revolves, it always tilts toward the Sun.
4. The Sun produces energy through nuclear fusion.
5. Day and night are caused by Earth’s rotation.
6. The equator is warmer than the poles because the Sun’s energy is more
concentrated at the equator than at the poles.
7. Seasons take place because the tilt of Earth’s rotation axis relative to the Sun
stays the same during the year.
8. On the December solstice, the north end of Earth’s rotation axis continues to
point away from the Sun, but it does so less and less.
9. A day when Earth’s rotation axis is leaning along Earth’s orbit, neither toward
nor away from the Sun, is called an equinox.
10. When the southern hemisphere is experiencing summer, the northern
hemisphere is experiencing summer.
The Sun-Earth-Moon System 25
Lesson Quiz A
Name Date Class
LESSON 1
Earth’s Motion
Short Answer
Directions: Respond to each statement on the lines provided.
1. Define Earth’s revolution and tell what keeps Earth in its orbit.
2. Describe the effect of Earth’s rotation.
3. Contrast the temperatures at Earth’s poles and equator. Explain what causes these differences.
4. Contrast a solstice and an equinox.
5. Explain why the southern hemisphere experiences summer when the northern hemisphere experiences winter.
6. Assess whether a nonrotating Earth would have seasons.
7. State how the Sun produces energy.
26 The Sun-Earth-Moon System
Lesson Quiz B
Sun Moon and Earth- 1-pager
Spencer/ Peddalagalla
8th Grade Science
The purpose of this one-pager is to help you think about the concept of space science and then relate
it to your own life. As with all one-pagers, you have freedom as to where things are placed on the
page. You may have multiple 1 pagers based on the size of your illustrations, explanations, and added
details.
Instructions: You must include all of the following information on your 1 pager. If you need to use more
than 1 paper make sure to follow the following instructions on each page. I encourage you to use this list
below like a checklist and check off each item as you complete it. This assignment is a test grade. Be
creative. The rubric is attached.
Write the title Sun Moon and Earth on your paper
Write your name on the back of the 1 pager
Create a border using science vocabulary from your reading
Draw a picture and explain how a day is created using the sun, moon, and/or earth
Draw a picture and explain how a month is created using the sun, moon, and/or earth
Draw a picture and explain how a year is created using the sun, moon, and/or earth
Draw a picture and explain earth’s rotation
Draw a picture and explain earth’s revolution.
Explain and illustrate solar (sun) nuclear fusion (note: the information is found in your reading)
Draw the location of the earth’s northern hemisphere during summer
Draw the location of the earth’s northern hemisphere during winter. Include the sun and earth in your
illustration. Note: make sure the earth is titled correctly and the seasons are labeled
Sun Moon and Earth 1-pager rubric Creative title: 5 pts Creative Border: 5 pts Illustration and explanation of day, month, and year: 30 pts Illustration and description of rotation and revolution: 20pts Illustration and explaining nuclear fusion: 20pts Illustration of northern hemisphere during summer and winter: 20 pts
Copyright ©
Glencoe/M
cGraw
-Hill, a division of T
he McG
raw-H
ill Com
panies, Inc.
Seeing the MoonWhy does the Moon shine? Why does its shape seem to
change? The Moon does not give off light. Unlike the Sun, the Moon is a solid object. You see the Moon because it reflects light from the Sun. Data about the Moon’s mass, size, and distance from Earth are shown in the table below.
Moon Data
Mass DiameterAverage distance
from Earth
Time for one
rotation
Time for one
revolution
1.2% of Earth’s mass
27% of Earth’s
diameter384,000 km 27.3 days 27.3 days
The Moon’s Formation The most widely accepted idea about how the Moon
formed is the giant impact hypothesis. The giant impact hypothesis states that shortly after Earth formed, an object about the size of the planet Mars crashed into Earth. The impact caused a ring of vaporized rock to form around Earth. Eventually, the material in the ring cooled and clumped together and formed the Moon.
The Sun-Earth-Moon System
Earth’s Moon
C193_008_012_RE_L2_889407.indd 8C193_008_012_RE_L2_889407.indd 8 24/2/10 13:26:2124/2/10 13:26:21
Cop
yrig
ht ©
Gle
ncoe
/McG
raw
-Hill
, a d
ivis
ion
of T
he M
cGra
w-H
ill C
ompa
nies
, Inc
.
The Moon’s SurfaceEarly in the Moon’s history, various features formed on
its surface. The main features on the Moon are craters, maria (MAR ee uh), and highlands.
Craters The Moon’s craters formed when objects from space, such as large rocks, crashed into the Moon. Light-colored streaks called rays run outward from some craters.
Most of the Moon’s craters formed about 3.5 billion years ago. This was long before dinosaurs lived on Earth. Earth also was hit by many large objects during this time. Wind, water, and plate tectonics erased these craters on Earth.
The Moon has no atmosphere, no water, and no plate tectonics. Without these forces, Moon’s craters, formed billions of years ago, have not changed much.
Maria The large, dark, flat areas on the Moon are called maria. The maria (MAR ee uh) formed long after most impacts on the Moon’s surface had ended. Maria formed when lava flowed through the Moon’s crust and hardened. The hardened lava covered large portions of the Moon’s surface, including many of its craters and other features.
Highlands The light-colored areas on the Moon are the highlands. Highlands were not covered by the lava that formed the maria because they were too high for the lava to reach. Highlands are older than the maria and are covered with craters.
The Moon’s MotionAs Earth revolves around the Sun, the Moon revolves
around Earth. The pull of Earth’s gravity causes the Moon to move in an orbit around Earth. Recall from Lesson 1 that if the pull of the Sun’s gravity ended, Earth would fly in a straight line into space. The same would be true for the Moon if the pull of Earth’s gravity ended. The Moon makes one revolution around Earth every 27.3 days.
Like Earth, the Moon also rotates as it revolves. One complete rotation of the Moon also takes 27.3 days. Notice that this is the same amount of time it takes the Moon to make one complete revolution around Earth.
The same side of the Moon always faces Earth because the Moon takes the same amount of time to orbit Earth and make one rotation. This side of the Moon that faces Earth is called the near side. The side of the Moon that cannot be seen from Earth is the far side of the Moon.
C193_008_012_RE_L2_889407.indd 9C193_008_012_RE_L2_889407.indd 9 24/2/10 13:26:2624/2/10 13:26:26
Copyright ©
Glencoe/M
cGraw
-Hill, a division of T
he McG
raw-H
ill Com
panies, Inc.
Phases of the MoonThe Sun is always shining on half the Moon, just as it is
always shining on half of Earth. As the Moon moves around Earth, usually only one part of the Moon’s near side is lit. The lit part of the Moon or a planet that can be seen from Earth is called a phase.
The motion of the Moon around Earth causes the phase of the Moon to change. The phases follow a regular pattern that is called the lunar cycle. One lunar cycle takes 29.5 days, or slightly more than four weeks, to complete.
Waxing PhasesThe waxing phases occur during the first half of the lunar
cycle. During the waxing phases, more of the Moon’s near side is lit each night.
Week 1—First Quarter The lunar cycle begins. A sliver of light appears on the Moon’s western edge. Each night, the lit part grows larger. By the end of the first week, the Moon reaches its first quarter phase. The entire western half of the Moon is now lit.
Week 2—Full Moon During the second week in the lunar cycle, more and more of the near side of the Moon becomes lit. By the end of the second week, the Moon’s near side is completely lit. It is at its full moon phase.
Waning PhasesAfter the Moon waxes, it is said to wane. During the waning
phases, less of the Moon’s near side is lit each night. As seen from Earth, the lit part is now on the Moon’s eastern side.
Week 3—Third Quarter During the third week in the lunar cycle, the lit part of the Moon becomes smaller. By the end of the third week, only the eastern half of the Moon is lit. This is the third quarter phase.
Week 4—New Moon During the fourth week in the lunar cycle, less and less of the near side of the Moon is lit. When the Moon’s near side is completely dark, it has reached the new moon phase. The entire lunar cycle is summarized in the figure on the next page.
C193_008_012_RE_L2_889407.indd 10C193_008_012_RE_L2_889407.indd 10 24/2/10 13:26:3324/2/10 13:26:33
Cop
yrig
ht ©
Gle
ncoe
/McG
raw
-Hill
, a d
ivis
ion
of T
he M
cGra
w-H
ill C
ompa
nies
, Inc
.
Full moon
Thirdquarter
First quarter
New moon
Third quarter
Full moon
Moon’s orbit
First quarter
Sunlight
Earth
The new moon phase isnot visible from Earth.
You don’t see theshadowed part.
The Moon lookslike this in the sky.
You see thesunlit part.
11
C193_008_012_RE_L2_889407.indd 11C193_008_012_RE_L2_889407.indd 11 24/2/10 13:26:4124/2/10 13:26:41
Name Date Class
LESSON 2
Earth’s Moon Directions: Answer each question or respond to each statement on the lines provided. You must include the terms
below in your answer or response.
maria phase waning phase waxing phase
1. When does the waxing phase of the Moon occur?
2. Define phase.
3. Describe maria.
4. When does the waning phase of the Moon occur?
The Sun-Earth-Moon System 29
Content Vocabulary
Name Date Class
LESSON 2
Earth’s Moon
A. Seeing the Moon
1. Unlike the Sun, the Moon does not emit its own .
2. The Moon seems to shine because it light from the Sun.
B. The Moon’s Formation
1. Scientists hypothesize that formed from rock that was
in a ring around Earth. This ring formed when collided
with an object about the size of Mars.
2. Craters form when objects into the surface of another object.
a. Light-colored streaks called extend in all directions
from some craters.
b. On Earth, wind, water, and plate tectonics have erased craters. The
has no wind, water, or plate tectonics.
3. Large, flat areas on the Moon are called . They formed
after most impacts on the Moon’s surface had stopped; lava flowed up through the
Moon’s crust and solidified, covering many craters and other features and then
solidifying.
4. are light-colored areas on the Moon’s surface.
C. The Moon’s Motion
1. The amount of time it takes the Moon to revolve once around Earth is
the amount of time it takes the Moon to make one
rotation. One revolution of the Moon around Earth takes
days.
2. The side of the Moon always faces Earth. The
side of the Moon cannot be seen from Earth.
D. Phases of the Moon 1. A(n) is the lit part of the Moon or a planet that can be
seen from Earth.
a. Phases of the Moon change because of the of the Moon around Earth.
b. A(n) —the sequence of moon phases—takes 29.5 days to complete.
30 The Sun-Earth-Moon System
Lesson Outline
Name Date Class
Lesson Outline continued
2. More of the Moon’s near side is lit each night during the .
a. After the first week of the lunar cycle, the Moon’s entire
half is lit.
b. This phase is called the phase.
c. During the second week of the lunar cycle, when the Moon’s near side is
completely lit, it is at the moon phase.
3. Less of the Moon’s near side is lit each night during the .
a. During the third week of the lunar cycle, only the half of the Moon is lit.
b. This phase is called the phase.
c. At the end of the lunar cycle, you cannot see any of the lit side of the Moon,
which is called the moon phase.
The Sun-Earth-Moon System 31
Name Date Class
LESSON 2: 10 minutes
How can the Moon be rotating if the same side of the Moon is always facing Earth?
The Moon revolves around Earth. Does the Moon also rotate as it revolves around Earth?
Procedure1. Choose a partner. One person
represents the Moon. The other
represents Earth.
2. While Earth is still, the Moon moves
slowly around Earth, always facing the
same wall.
3. Next, the Moon moves around Earth always facing Earth. Record your
observations below.
Data and Observations
Analyze and Conclude
1. For which motion was the Moon rotating?
2. For each type of motion, how many times did the Moon rotate during one revolution around Earth?
3. Key Concept How is the Moon actually rotating if the same side of the Moon is always facing Earth?
32 The Sun-Earth-Moon System
MiniLab
Name Date Class
LESSON 2
Earth’s Moon
Directions: Use the diagram of the lunar cycle to answer each question on the lines provided.
1. Viewed from Earth, how does the Moon’s appearance change during the first week?
2. Viewed from Earth, how does the Moon’s appearance change during the second week?
3. Viewed from Earth, how does the Moon’s appearance change during the third week?
4. Viewed from Earth, how does the Moon’s appearance change during the fourth week?
The Sun-Earth-Moon System 33
Content Practice A
Full moon
First quarter
New moon
Last quarter
Second week Third week
Fourth week First week
Earth
Name Date Class
LESSON 2
Earth’s Moon Directions: On each line, write the term from the word bank that correctly completes each sentence. Some terms
might be used more than once or not at all.
atmosphere craters cycle emits
lava maria Moon object
rays reflects ring rock
rotation waning water waxing
You are able to see the Moon because it (1.) light from the
Sun. Scientists hypothesize that the Moon formed when a huge
(2.) struck Earth. Vaporized (3.)
formed a(n) (4.) around Earth. As the ring cooled, the
(5.) formed.
The Moon’s surface has remained the same for several billions of years because it has no
(6.) or (7.) . It does, however, have
(8.) that formed from space objects that crashed into the
Moon. Light-colored streaks of blasted material called (9.)
stretch outward from some craters. Another feature found on the Moon are large dark, flat
areas called (10.) . These formed after most impacts on the
Moon’s surface had ceased; (11.) flowed up through the
Moon’s crust and solidified, covering many of the Moon’s craters and other features.
Highlands are another of the Moon’s features. These older areas are covered with craters and
were too high for the (12.) that formed maria to reach.
The Moon has a lunar (13.) with several phases. The Moon’s
(14.) and revolution are similar in time, so the same side of the
Moon always is seen from Earth. A lunar cycle lasts four weeks and includes
(15.) and (16.) phases.
34 The Sun-Earth-Moon System
Content Practice B
Name Date Class
LESSON 2
Earth’s Moon
For this activity, you will need a large bowl or roasting pan, flour, a small stone or marble,
and a meterstick.
1. Place the pan on a flat area of the ground outside. Put about 1 inch of flour in the pan.
2. Drop the stone or marble from five different heights onto the flour. Measure the different heights with the meterstick.
3. Observe the crater that forms in the flour each time. Use the meterstick to measure the height before each drop. After each drop, shake the pan to smooth out the surface of
the flour.
4. Record the heights from which you dropped the stone or marble in the first column of the table. Record the diameter of each crater that formed in the second column.
Height of Drop Diameter of Crater
5. What is the relationship between the height of the drop and the diameter of the crater that formed?
The Sun-Earth-Moon System 35
School to Home
Did you know?
When NASA’s astronauts traveled to the Moon, they brought back samples of rocks.
The rocks were extremely dry, because the surface of the Moon does not have any
water of its own. However, when meteorites and comets hit the Moon and form
craters, they release water. That water collects in the shadowy parts of the Moon’s
surface near its north and south poles.
Name Date Class
LESSON 2
Earth’s Moon
Key Concept How does the Moon move around Earth?
Directions: On each line, write the term or phrase that correctly completes each sentence.
The Moon
1. Reflection: I can see the Moon because light from the Sun
.
2. Formation: The giant impact hypothesis states that
.
3. Surface: Three features found on the Moon are , , and .
4. Craters: The craters that formed on the Moon have hardly changed because
.
5. Maria: These large, dark, flat areas on the Moon resulted from
.
6. Highlands: Two special features of highlands are that they are
and
.
7. Revolution: It takes days for the Moon to make one revolution
around .
8. Rotation: It takes days for the Moon to rotate once on its
rotation axis.
9. Revolution and Rotation: The Moon makes one rotation on its axis in the same time that it
makes .
10. Face: Because of the Moon’s period of rotation and period of revolution, the same side of the
Moon .
36 The Sun-Earth-Moon System
Key Concept Builder
Name Date Class
LESSON 2
Earth’s Moon
Key Concept How does the Moon move around Earth?
Directions: Complete the chart by answering each question in the space provided.
The Moon
Period of Rotation Period of Revolution
1. How long does it take for the Moon to complete one rotation?
2. Which side of the Moon is seen from Earth?
3. What are four surface features seen on the Moon?
4. How long does it take for the Moon to complete one revolution?
5. What causes the Moon to revolve around Earth?
6. Why does the same side of the Moon always face Earth?
Directions: Use information from the chart to write a summary about how the Moon moves around Earth.
7.
The Sun-Earth-Moon System 37
Key Concept Builder
Name Date Class
LESSON 2
Earth’s Moon
Key Concept Why does the Moon’s appearance change?
Directions: Answer each question in the space provided.
The Moon’s Cycle and Phases
Question Answer
What is meant by a Moon phase? 1.
What causes the phase of the Moon to change?
2.
What is a lunar cycle? 3.
How long is one lunar cycle? 4.
When does the waxing phase occur? 5.
When does the waning phase occur? 6.
Directions: Complete the chart by drawing what each Moon phase looks like as seen from Earth.
First Quarter (Waxing) Full Moon (Waxing)
Last Quarter (Waning) New Moon (Waning)
38 The Sun-Earth-Moon System
Key Concept Builder
Name Date Class
LESSON 2
Earth’s Moon
Key Concept Why does the Moon’s appearance change?
Directions: Write the letter from the diagram that answers each question on the lines provided.
1. In which position would a person on Earth see a full moon?
2. In which position(s) would a person on Earth see a moon in the waxing phases?
3. In which position(s) would a person on Earth see a moon in the waning phases?
4. In which position would a person on Earth see a third quarter moon?
The Sun-Earth-Moon System 39
Key Concept Builder
Name Date Class
LESSON 2
Earth’s Moon
The surface of the Moon is different from
the surface of Earth. The Moon has little or
no water on its surface. Volcanic activity
ceased long ago. No wind, erosion, or
atmosphere are present. Yet the surface of
the Moon has at least four interesting
features.
Terrae
The surface of the Moon has areas of
low elevation, high elevation, and craters.
The areas of high elevation are called
highlands. You see these as the bright areas
of a full moon. They are also known as lunar
terrae, the Latin word for “land.”
Craters
The highlands are covered with impact
craters made by meteorites. Because there is
no blowing wind, flowing water, or shifting
tectonic plates on the Moon, impact craters
rarely change. There are two ways they can
change, even if slightly—through human
activity and by another cosmic hit. Some
craters are as large as 1,000 km across. These
were violent impacts that greatly affected
the topography of the Moon.
Maria
The Moon may be geologically inactive
now, but it has not always been inactive.
Looking up at a full moon, you can see
smooth, dark areas. These markings lead
some to see a face, or “the man in the
Moon.” These are areas of low elevation that
were filled by lava flows. There is some
speculation that lava flows filled some
enormous impact craters. The impacts would
have been violent enough to crack the
Moon’s crust and release lava over its
surface.
When Galileo first identified the surface
characteristics of the Moon, he and other
scientists of the day thought they were
looking at land (terrae) and that the smooth
lowlands were large seas. That is why we
have the name maria (MAHR ee uh; singular
mare), meaning “seas.”
Footprints
Though the Moon has never had native
inhabitants, it has many archaeological
treasures. There are flags, plaques, rover
tracks, footprints, and food bags left by
astronauts on its surface. Archaeologists
want to preserve the rover tracks and the
first human footprints on another world by
designating the landing site as a National
Historic Landmark.
Applying Critical-Thinking Skills
Directions: Respond to each statement.
1. Explain how early astronomers could mistake the maria for seas.
2. Compare the cratered surface of the Moon to the surface of Earth. Explain why the Moon has so many craters and why very few would be observable on Earth, even if
Earth were bare.
3. Hypothesize why human artifacts on the Moon might need to be protected.
40 The Sun-Earth-Moon System
Enrichment
Name Date Class
LESSON 2
Earth’s Moon
Phases of the Moon
The Moon is always being illuminated by the Sun on half of its surface, except during
lunar eclipses. Because the Moon revolves around Earth, we see different amounts of this lit
half as the Moon moves in its orbit. These different amounts of light are known as moon
phases. The phases of the Moon are cyclical because its revolution around Earth is cyclical.
The circles below represent the phases of the Moon. Shade them according to the
amount of light observed at each phase, beginning with the new moon phase, which is
given for you. Imagine that the Sun’s rays are coming from the left side of the diagram.
Directions: Answer each question or respond to each statement on the lines provided.
1. Explain why an observer on Earth sees a complete moon phase cycle in one month.
2. Predict when the next full moon will occur if the last full moon occurred March 15.
3. Decide In which phase is the Moon not visible from Earth? Justify your answer.
The Sun-Earth-Moon System 41
Challenge
Name Date Class
LESSON 2
Earth’s Moon
Multiple Choice
Directions: On the line before each question or statement, write the letter of the correct answer.
1. Why can we see the Moon?
A. It reflects sunlight.
B. It goes through phases.
C. It produces its own light.
2. What causes the Moon to revolve around Earth?
A. Earth’s gravity
B. the Sun’s gravity
C. the Moon’s lack of gravity
3. What causes the Moon to change phases?
A. its small diameter
B. its rotation on its axis
C. its movement around Earth
4. The Moon’s phase is waning when it changes from
A. first quarter to a full moon.
B. last quarter to a new moon.
C. first quarter to a new moon.
5. Because the Moon’s periods of rotation and revolution are the same, it
A. rotates backwards.
B. never really moves.
C. keeps the same side always facing Earth.
Matching
Directions: On the line before each definition, write the letter of the term that matches it correctly. Each term is
used only once.
6. the lit part of the Moon or a planet that can be
seen from Earth
7. formed when objects from space crashed into the Moon
8. large, flat dark areas on the Moon
9. light-colored areas on the Moon’s surface
A. craters
B. highlands
C. maria
D. phase
42 The Sun-Earth-Moon System
Lesson Quiz A
Name Date Class
LESSON 2
Earth’s Moon
Completion
Directions: On each line, write the term that correctly completes each sentence.
1. on the Moon’s surface formed as the result of impacts of objects from space.
2. Elevated areas on the Moon’s surface that are light in color are
called .
3. The large, dark, flat areas on the Moon are called .
4. A(n) is the lit part of the Moon or a planet that can be seen
from Earth.
5. The Moon’s periods of and are
the same.
Short Answer
Directions: Respond to each statement on the lines provided.
6. Explain why the Moon is visible from Earth.
7. State what causes the Moon to revolve around Earth.
8. Describe the effect of the Moon’s revolution around Earth in terms of how we see the Moon.
9. Describe what happens when the Moon is waning.
The Sun-Earth-Moon System 43
Lesson Quiz B
Moon Phases- 1-pager
Spencer/ Peddalagalla
8th Grade Science
The purpose of this one-pager is to help you think about the concept of space science and then relate
it to your own life. As with all one-pagers, you have freedom as to where things are placed on the
page. You may have multiple 1 pagers based on the size of your illustrations, explanations, and added
details.
Instructions: You must include all of the following information on your 1 pager. If you need to use more
than 1 paper make sure to follow the following instructions on each page. I encourage you to use this list
below like a checklist and check off each item as you complete it. This assignment is a test grade. Be
creative. The rubric is attached.
Write the title Moon Phases on your paper
Write your name on the back of the 1 pager
Create a border using science vocabulary from your reading
Draw picture’s and explain what created crater’s, maria’s, and highlands on the moon’s surface
Draw a picture and explain how the moon rotates on its axis
Draw a picture and explain how the moon revolves around the earth
Explain what causes one side of the moon to always face the earth. (note: the answer can be found in
your reading)
Draw and explain what a waxing moon means
Draw and explain what a waning moon means
Draw the 8 phases of the moon, include the sun and label each phase correctly based on where your sun
is located.
Moon Phases 1-pager rubric
Creative title: 5 pts
Creative Border: 5 pts
Draw and explain the moon’s surface features: 15 pts
Draw a picture and explain how the moon rotates on its axis: 10 pts
Draw a picture and explain how the moon revolves around the earth: 10 pts
Explain what causes one side of the moon to always face the earth. 10 pts
Draw and contrast waxing and waning moons: 20 pts
Draw the 8 phases of the moon, include the sun and label each phase correctly based on where your sun
is located. 25 pts