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Phases of the Moon and Eclipses

Last updated about 5 years ago
10 questions
MOON PHASES: As you observe the Moon over a month, you notice it changes. Sometimes the right side is in sunlight; other times it’s the left. Sometimes you see it at night; sometimes you see it during daytime.
This Quest will help you understand why the Moon changes shape throughout the month. You will need to read the information available on the webpages you visit. Each Task is linked to a page that provides you specific information for that task. All answers can be found one or more of the websites. Your task is to read and find the information.
Task 1: Open this weblink to find the information you need for this task.

There are eight major phases of the Moon. In the top of each square, write the name of the phase of the Moon. In the circle, draw a picture of what it looks like.
1

Complete all 8 phases!

Task 2: Open this weblink to find the information you need for this task.
1

Define the term Gibbous.

1

Define the term Waxing.

1

Define the term Waning.

Task 3: Open this weblink to find the information you need for this task.
1

Draw a picture of the Moon phase on the day you were born and label what phase is called.

1

Draw a picture of the Moon phase on your birthday THIS year and label what phase is called.

ECLIPSES: As the Moon orbits Earth each month, its orbital path is tilted by about 5 degrees. This means that the Earth, Moon, and Sun do not always line up perfectly during the New Moon and Full Moon phases. However, when they do line up perfectly we get to experience Solar and Lunar Eclipses. Watch the videos below to answer the questions and draw the diagrams. Make sure you answer all parts of the questions!
1

Draw the position of the Sun, Moon, and Earth during a Solar Eclipse.

1

Describe a solar eclipse in your own words. What moon phase does it have to be for a solar eclipse to occur? Why does this not happen every month? What are the four types of solar eclipses? ALL ANSWERS CAN BE FOUND IN THE VIDEO!

1

Draw the position of the Sun, Moon, and Earth during a Lunar Eclipse.

1

Describe a lunar eclipse in your own words. What moon phase does it have to be for a lunar eclipse to occur? Why does this not happen every month? What are the three types of lunar eclipses? ALL ANSWERS CAN BE FOUND IN THE VIDEO!