Section 1
Moon's Position Creates Different Phases
As the Moon orbits Earth, sunlight reflects differently off its surface, creating phases like full moon, new moon, and crescent shapes that repeat in a 29.5-day cycle.
In this Grade 5 lesson from Science: A Closer Look, Chapter 5, students learn how the Moon's phases — including full moon, new moon, waxing, and waning — are caused by the Moon's orbit around Earth and the changing angles of reflected sunlight. Students also explore the Moon's physical features such as craters, maria, rills, and mountains, and examine phenomena like solar and lunar eclipses and tides. A hands-on inquiry activity helps students model why the Moon appears to change shape when viewed from Earth over a 29.5-day cycle.
Section 1
Moon's Position Creates Different Phases
As the Moon orbits Earth, sunlight reflects differently off its surface, creating phases like full moon, new moon, and crescent shapes that repeat in a 29.5-day cycle.
Section 2
Earth and Moon Cast Shadows During Eclipses
Solar eclipses occur when the Moon blocks sunlight from reaching Earth. Lunar eclipses happen when Earth's shadow falls on the Moon. Both create dark shadows called umbra and lighter penumbra.
Section 3
Moon's Gravity Pulls Ocean Waters into Tides
The Moon's gravitational force creates bulges in Earth's oceans, causing high and low tides. When the Sun and Moon align, they produce more extreme spring tides; when offset, they create moderate neap tides.
Section 4
Astronauts Navigate Harsh Moon Conditions
The Moon lacks atmosphere, causing extreme temperatures ranging from 253°F to -451°F. Astronauts wear spacesuits for protection against radiation and temperature changes while carrying oxygen to breathe.
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Section 1
Moon's Position Creates Different Phases
As the Moon orbits Earth, sunlight reflects differently off its surface, creating phases like full moon, new moon, and crescent shapes that repeat in a 29.5-day cycle.
Section 2
Earth and Moon Cast Shadows During Eclipses
Solar eclipses occur when the Moon blocks sunlight from reaching Earth. Lunar eclipses happen when Earth's shadow falls on the Moon. Both create dark shadows called umbra and lighter penumbra.
Section 3
Moon's Gravity Pulls Ocean Waters into Tides
The Moon's gravitational force creates bulges in Earth's oceans, causing high and low tides. When the Sun and Moon align, they produce more extreme spring tides; when offset, they create moderate neap tides.
Section 4
Astronauts Navigate Harsh Moon Conditions
The Moon lacks atmosphere, causing extreme temperatures ranging from 253°F to -451°F. Astronauts wear spacesuits for protection against radiation and temperature changes while carrying oxygen to breathe.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter