Exploring Earth's Moon: Craters, Phases, and Eclipses!

Science Grades 5th Grade 13:23 Video
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Lesson Description

Discover the fascinating features of the Moon, from its cratered surface to its captivating phases and eclipses. Learn about tides, shadows, and the Moon's relationship with the Earth and Sun.

Video Resource

Moon For Kids | Science For Grade 5 | Periwinkle

Periwinkle

Duration: 13:23
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Lunar Surface Features (craters, maria, highlands)
  • Phases of the Moon (new moon, full moon)
  • Tides (spring tides, neap tides)
  • Shadows and Eclipses (solar eclipse, lunar eclipse)
  • Planets

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to identify and describe the main features of the Moon's surface.
  • Students will be able to explain the phases of the Moon and their causes.
  • Students will be able to describe how the gravitational pull of the moon and sun cause tides.
  • Students will be able to differentiate between solar and lunar eclipses.
  • Students will be able to identify the planets in our solar system.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students what they already know about the Moon. Show a picture of the Moon and ask them to describe what they see. Introduce the YouTube video 'Moon For Kids | Science For Grade 5 | Periwinkle'.
  • Video Viewing (7 mins)
    Play the video for the students. Encourage them to take notes on key concepts and vocabulary.
  • Discussion (10 mins)
    After watching the video, facilitate a class discussion about the Moon's surface, phases, tides, and eclipses. Use the discussion questions provided.
  • Interactive Exercise: Moon Phase Modeling (15 mins)
    Have students create models of the Moon phases using Oreo cookies (removing cream to show different illuminated portions) or other materials. This will help them visualize and understand the changing phases of the Moon.
  • Assessment: Quiz (8 mins)
    Administer the multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank quizzes to assess student understanding.

Interactive Exercises

  • Moon Phase Modeling
    Students will use Oreo cookies (or construction paper circles) to create a model of the lunar phases. They will remove (or shade) parts of the cream to represent the different illuminated portions of the Moon during its cycle. This activity helps them visualize the concept of lunar phases.

Discussion Questions

  • What are some of the features you observed on the Moon's surface?
  • Why does the Moon appear to change shape throughout the month?
  • How are tides related to the Moon and the Sun?
  • What causes a solar eclipse? What causes a lunar eclipse?
  • What is the difference between a planet and the moon?

Skills Developed

  • Observation
  • Critical Thinking
  • Scientific Vocabulary
  • Model Building
  • Data Interpretation

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

What are the flat, dark areas on the Moon called?

Correct Answer: Seas or Maria

Question 2:

What causes the phases of the Moon?

Correct Answer: The Moon's position relative to the Earth and Sun

Question 3:

What are the high tides that occur during the full and new moon phases called?

Correct Answer: Spring tides

Question 4:

Which of these objects blocks the sun's light during a solar eclipse?

Correct Answer: The Moon

Question 5:

What blocks sunlight during a lunar eclipse?

Correct Answer: The Earth

Question 6:

Which of these features is NOT a lunar surface feature?

Correct Answer: Oceans

Question 7:

Why can't we hear sounds on the moon?

Correct Answer: There is no air on the moon

Question 8:

What causes tides?

Correct Answer: Moon and sun's gravity

Question 9:

What is a planet?

Correct Answer: A heavenly body that revolves around a star

Question 10:

Which planet is the biggest in our solar system?

Correct Answer: Jupiter

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

The Moon does not have its own ______, it reflects light from the Sun.

Correct Answer: light

Question 2:

The flat areas on the Moon are called seas or ______.

Correct Answer: maria

Question 3:

A ______ eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth.

Correct Answer: solar

Question 4:

A ______ eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon.

Correct Answer: lunar

Question 5:

The highest high tides and lowest low tides are called ______ tides.

Correct Answer: spring

Question 6:

The lowest high tides and highest low tides are called ______ tides.

Correct Answer: neap

Question 7:

The shape a planet moves around the sun in is called an ______.

Correct Answer: orbit

Question 8:

Earth has only one natural ______, the moon.

Correct Answer: satellite

Question 9:

We can see the moon because the sun's ______ illuminates it.

Correct Answer: light

Question 10:

The largest planet in our solar system is ______.

Correct Answer: Jupiter

Educational Standards

5.ESS1.2:Represent data in graphical displays to reveal patterns of daily changes in the length and direction of shadows, in addition to different positions of the sun, moon, and stars at different times of the day, month, and year. 5.PS2.1:Support an argument, with evidence, that Earth's gravitational force pulls objects downward toward the center of the earth.

Teaching Materials

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