In this lesson, students will study the cycle of lunar phases.

• Students will identify patterns in data associated with the lunar phases.
• Students will describe how the relative positions of the Earth, the Moon, and the Sun cause lunar phases.
• Students will identify why a graph of illumination of the Moon during the lunar cycle is a function.
• Students will describe the requirements for an eclipse.

• illumination
• phase
• eclipse
• percent error

In this lesson, students will study the cycle of lunar phases. Note: Students should use the TI-Nspire computer software for an optimal experience with this lesson.

As a result, students will:

• Estimate the portion of the Moon's surface that is illuminated each day of the lunar cycle.
• Identify patterns in data that is presented in a table and in a graph.
• Use interactive animations to investigate the relative positions of Earth, the Moon, and the Sun during each phase and the requirements for an eclipse to occur.