Week 1: Sun, Earth, and the Moon

Week 1

1. How do the phases of the moon occur?

The moon lights up at night because of how the sun shines on it as it orbits so different parts light up at different times depending on where it is in orbit. 

Does not spin around earth consistently.

Not on same plan, not in straight circle.

We see sunlights reflection.

Takes 28ish days to get around the Earth so every 28 days you see a different phase.

1.  What causes seasons?

Because the Earth is tilted, certain parts of the Earth get more sunlight at different parts of the year.

One revolution is a year

One rotaion is a day

Have more direct sunlight during summer but farther away from Sun, in winter the we are closer to the sun distance wise but get less direct sunlight

1. What causes a lunar eclipse?

Occurs when the sun and the moon line up in the same spot at the same time.

Earth's shadow completely covers the moon.

Kind of behind/ under the Earth.

Homework:

1. What did you do in lab today?

Today in lab we went over introductions of everyone and then drew our perception of a scientist. Then, we modeled the orbit of the Earth and moon in relation to the sun. WE did this by using alaser, a big light buld, a styrofoam ball, and a globe.

2.What was the big question?

How the phases of the moon occur, what causes seasons, and what causes a lunar eclipse.

3. What did you learn in Thursday's discussion?

https://docs.google.com/document/d/17ccWQ98xY5yoaOLPW8LIv4Ne2f5AhYOXhW6TGIx2fWs/edit?usp=sharing 

Read Textbook

What did you learn?

I learned that the Earth's tilt never changes in relation to space and that is the reason we experience seasons.

What was most helpful?

The explanation of the hemisperes in written words helped me understand after the demonstration shown in class.

• If a hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun, it gets more sunlight and it warms up–aka summer.
• If a hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun, it gets less sunlight and it cools down–aka winter

What do you need more information of?

One thing I do not really understand is the whole Tropic idea. I need more explanation on the Tropic of Capricorn and Tropic of Cancer.

Icon NDSL Strandmap

What is this?

A map that organizes key concepts about the Earth, Moon, and Sun system. It also shows how ideas build in complexity as grade levels increase.

How does it help teachers?

The map allows teachers to see what students should already know and what they will need to learn each grade level while connecting it to broader ideas.

What are your big takeaways?

Students notice that things move in the sky so assume that things orbit the Earth so they must be taught the proper way.

Icon Watch Video

Reflection

This video reminded me that even in well-educated students misconceptions can remain deeply rooted. This reminds me to uncover what my students believe before teaching new concepts.