Introduction
Welcome: The Moon
Description: The eight phases of the moon
Grade Level: K-2
Curriculum: Science
Keyword: Moon, Phases, Lunar
Author: Tiffany Luttrell
Do you ever look up at the sky and notice the moon looks different? This is because the moon changes it's appearance as it orbits Earth. These changes in appearance are called phases. The moon has eight different phases and it takes around one month for the moon to orbit Earth. By the end of this WebQuest, students will learn to identify and label the eight different moon phases, and discuss the different ways the moon looks throughout the month.
Task
Students are going to be divided into four different groups. Each group will learn about the eight different moon phases and recreate each phase using paper plates. The phases of the moon will be placed in order and labeled underneath on a poster board with a brief description of the moon's appearance. Each group will be assigned certain research questions about one of the primary moon phases (new, first quarter, full, last quarter) and about one of the four interstitial phases (waxing crescent, waxing gibbous, waning gibbous, waning crescent). Once the students are finished with their research, they will present their project to the class. Every student must speak, and the presentation must be between two to four minutes long.
Process
Step 1
Students will be placed into groups of four and watch the video down below to help them recognize each moon phase. Students can start, stop, and replay the video as much as they need to gather information. Students will take notes about what they learn to help them recreate each phase using paper places. The phases will be placed in the correct order with the correct label. Students will give a brief description explaining the shape of the moon.
Step 2
Students will answer the following research questions assigned to their group. Students will use the links down below to help them answer the following questions.
Group 1 - New Moon and Waxing Crescent
- What does the new moon look like? Can it be seen?
- When does a new moon occur?
- What type of eclipse can only happen during a new moon?
- Does a waxing crescent open on the left or the right?
- Does a waxing crescent moon increase or decrease?
Group 2- First Quarter and Waxing Gibbous
- How much of the moon is visible in a first quarter moon?
- How long after a new moon does a first quarter moon occur?
- Does a waxing gibbous moon increase or decrease?
- What does waxing mean?
- What two moon phases is the waxing gibbous moon between?
Group 3 - Full Moon and Waning Gibbous
- How much of the moon is visible during a full moon?
- Why type of eclipse can only happen during a full moon?
- Does a waning gibbous moon increase or decrease?
- What does waning mean?
- The waning gibbous moon is between what two moon phases?
Group 4 - Last Quarter and Waning Crescent
- How much of the moon is visible in a last quarter moon?
- The last quarter is the opposite half of what moon phase?
- Does a waning crescent moon increase or decrease?
- Does a waning crescent moon open on the left or the right?
- A waning crescent moon comes after what moon phase?
Step 3
Students will present their project to the class. Students will explain the phases of the moon, and discuss the answers to their assigned research questions. Everyone in the group must help present, and the presentation should last between two to four minutes.
These links will help provide students with good information.
Evaluation
|
|
Beginning 1 |
Developing 2 |
Accomplished 3 |
Exemplary 4 |
Score |
|
Moon Phase Illustration |
Less than 5 moon phases were illustrated correctly |
At least 5 moon phases were illustrated correctly |
At least 7 moon phases were illustrated correctly |
All phases were illustrated correctly |
|
|
Correct Labeling |
Most labels are inaccurate |
Labels have more than 2 errors |
Labels have less than 2 errors |
Accurate labeling |
|
|
Organization |
The information was disorganized |
The information was partially organized and not in sequence |
The information was organized but not in sequence |
The information was very organized and in clear sequential order |
|
|
Presentation Length |
Greatly exceeding or falling short of the allotted time |
Exceeding or falling short of the allotted time |
Remained close to the allotted time |
Presented within the allotted time |
|
Conclusion
In conclusion, by the end of this WebQuest, students will be able to identify and label the eight moon phases. In addition, students will have a better understanding of the moon cycle, and will be able to place the phases in the correct order. Students should be able to communicate their observations about the different moon phases by using their recreation of each moon phase. Students should also be encouraged to expand their knowledge about the moon and its phases.
Credits
Teacher Page
Grade Leve: K-2
Subject: Elementary Education Science
This WebQuest can be used to educate students about the different phases of the moon. In addition, it helps students learn the correct labels of each phase, and place the phases in the appropriate order.