Grade 4 Science TEKS 4.9B:Moon Phases Data Analysis

Learning Target: I can explain why we see different phases of the Moon, and predict what phase will come next from a series of pictures.

Focuses On:

• Why the moon changes phases
• The pattern of moon phases

Builds On:

3.9A:

construct models and explain the orbits of the Sun, Earth, and Moon in relation to each other

Next Level:

6.9B:

describe and predict how the positions of the Earth, Sun, and Moon cause daily, spring, and neap cycles of ocean tides due to gravitational forces

Read More:

This lesson is designed to support student understanding of the lunar cycle, focusing on the cause of the Moon's changing phases and the pattern they follow.

The lesson begins by explaining why observers on Earth see different percentages of the illuminated side of the Moon, utilizing visual aids to clarify this concept. It then outlines the repetitive sequence of phases, describing how the visible illumination increases (waxes) from the right and decreases (wanes) from the left.

This lesson builds upon standard 3.9A, where students were introduced to the orbital relationships of the Moon and Earth. It prepares students for standard 6.9B, where they will learn more about the positions and interactions of the Earth, Sun, and Moon.