Your friend wakes up in the middle of the night and she realizes there is no moon.  She wonders how this is possible.  Help her to find out why the moon disappeared. 

Your first task is to complete the astronomer application form to begin the process of becoming a "true astronomer".  Good luck and happy moon watching. 

        Astronomer Application Form

The Essential Question:

What is the relationship between the Earth and the Moon?

You will find out the relationship between the Earth and the Moon.  As an astronomer, you will keep a moon log to record your own observations of the moon for one month.  Each day you should record your findings and draw on your log.

You will use your moon log along with your research to answer the essential question to solve your friend's problem.

You will use links on the Student Resource page to research and locate additional information you will need to complete the final product.

Product:   Now that you know why the moon disappears show your classmates what you learned about the phases of the moon and how it relates to the Earth.  You may display your information by creating a PowerPoint presentation OR by writing a nonfiction picture book.

Research process assessments:

The Moon Drawing Assessment: Drawing Assessment;

The Moon Questions Assessment: Question Assessment;

Group work assessment: Group rubric

Final products assessment:

PowerPoint assessment-  PowerPoint Rubric

Story - Story Rubric

Question

What is the relationship between the Earth and the Moon?

Subsidiary questions:

Why does the moon’s appearance change?

Does the moon’s shape change or does how we see it change?

How does the moon move around the Earth?

Does the Earth move too?

What are phases? Why does the moon change shape?

How does the moon rotate?

Where is the moon in relation to the Earth and the Sun?

Where does the moon go during the day?

Which direction does the moon move at night?

Does the moon have its own light?

Gather and Sort

Your task as an astronomer is to record your observations of the moon on the moon log.  You are going to record the size, shape, and location of the moon each night for one month.

Check your data. Do you notice any patterns?  How is the moon changing?  Record all your observations on the moon chart.

In the mean time, use the note taking sheet to guide you in your finding answers to your questions.

Did I cover everything I need for my final project? 

Compare your moon log with three other astronomers in your class.  Use the questions to guide your discussion.

Conclusion

What is the relationship between the Earth and the Moon?

Are you a true astronomer?  Take this final quiz to test your knowledge.  THE FINAL QUIZ

My Final Thoughts