Section 1
Moon Reflects Sunlight to Display Phases
The Moon's phases result from our viewing angle of its sunlit half as it orbits Earth. We see different shapes—new, crescent, quarter, gibbous, and full—in a monthly cycle.
In this Grade 6 Earth Science lesson from Chapter 20, students learn why the Moon has phases, what causes solar and lunar eclipses, and why Earth's oceans have tides. Students explore how the Moon's position in its monthly orbit determines which portion of its sunlit half is visible from Earth, and distinguish between terms like waxing, waning, crescent, and gibbous phases. The lesson also introduces key vocabulary including eclipse, umbra, and penumbra to explain how the alignment of the Sun, Moon, and Earth produces these phenomena.
Section 1
Moon Reflects Sunlight to Display Phases
The Moon's phases result from our viewing angle of its sunlit half as it orbits Earth. We see different shapes—new, crescent, quarter, gibbous, and full—in a monthly cycle.
Section 2
Shadows Create Solar and Lunar Eclipses
Eclipses occur when Earth, Moon, and Sun align perfectly. During lunar eclipses, Earth's shadow darkens the Moon. During solar eclipses, the Moon blocks sunlight, casting its shadow on Earth.
Section 3
Moon's Gravity Pulls Oceans into Tides
The Moon's gravitational pull creates two ocean bulges—one on the side facing the Moon and one on the opposite side. As Earth rotates, locations experience two high tides and two low tides daily.
Section 4
Earth Rotates Through Tidal Bulges Daily
As Earth turns on its axis, locations pass through areas of thicker water (high tide) and thinner water (low tide). This cycle takes slightly longer than 24 hours due to the Moon's orbit.
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Section 1
Moon Reflects Sunlight to Display Phases
The Moon's phases result from our viewing angle of its sunlit half as it orbits Earth. We see different shapes—new, crescent, quarter, gibbous, and full—in a monthly cycle.
Section 2
Shadows Create Solar and Lunar Eclipses
Eclipses occur when Earth, Moon, and Sun align perfectly. During lunar eclipses, Earth's shadow darkens the Moon. During solar eclipses, the Moon blocks sunlight, casting its shadow on Earth.
Section 3
Moon's Gravity Pulls Oceans into Tides
The Moon's gravitational pull creates two ocean bulges—one on the side facing the Moon and one on the opposite side. As Earth rotates, locations experience two high tides and two low tides daily.
Section 4
Earth Rotates Through Tidal Bulges Daily
As Earth turns on its axis, locations pass through areas of thicker water (high tide) and thinner water (low tide). This cycle takes slightly longer than 24 hours due to the Moon's orbit.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter