SEEd Moon Phases
Assessment
This assessment was adapted from a Utah Science Core Guides assessment exemplar. Standard: 6.1.1 Develop and use a model of the Sun-Earth-Moon system to describe the cyclic patterns of lunar phases, eclipses of the Sun and Moon, and seasons. Examples of models could be physical, graphical, or conceptual. (ESS1.A) Phenomenon Every month I can observe a new and full moon. Proficient Student Explanation of Phenomenon: Because the Moon orbits around the Earth, the pattern of seeing a Full Moon and New Moon phase each month is observed. This happens because the Sun’s light reflects off of the Moon. From the Earth, we can only see a portion of the reflected light as the Moon is orbiting the Earth. Based on the Sun-Earth-Moon system, the Moon orbits the Earth in about one month. When the Earth is between the sun and the Moon, we observe a Full Moon. When the Moon is between the Earth and the Sun, we observe a New Moon. The Full Moon and the New Moon occur about 14 days apart, so you would see both of them each month. Resources Original SEEd Assessment Exemplar 6.1.1
Every month I can observe a New Moon and Full Moon. The Moon does not produce its own light. We see the Moon because the Sun's light reflects off its surface. As the Moon orbits the Earth each month, we see different amounts of its lit side — creating the phases we observe. As you move through the questions, pay attention to what causes these phases to repeat in a predictable pattern.
Topics and standards: Earth Science, MS-ESS1-1, Earth in Space, ESS1.A, Orbital Patterns, Developing & Using Models, Patterns, Grades 6-8, 3D Science Tasks, 6.1.1, Hosted Utah SEEd, Assessment, 5-ESS1-4, 3.3.6-8.A