Activity Overview
In this lesson, students will study the cycle of lunar phases.
Objectives
- 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.
Vocabulary
- illumination
- phase
- eclipse
- percent error
About the Lesson
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.