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Phases of the Moon

Last updated almost 8 years ago
22 questions
Note from the author:
This was originally a webquest. Each Task is linked to the resources needed to answer it. Task 3 provides a little personalization since students will find the phase of the moon on their birth day. Some of the tasks are repetitive, but included as reinforcement to prepare for the final assessment at the end.
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.

1

Draw a picture of the Moon phase on your birthday THIS year.

Task 4: Open this weblink to find the information you need for this task.
1

Complete the table below showing the phase of the Moon each day for the first 30 days this month.

1

Based on what you just drew, identify the days where the Moon’s phase is waxing crescent.

1

Based on what you just drew, identify the days where the Moon’s phase is gibbous.

1

Based on what you just drew, which day is the Moon full?

1

Based on what you just drew, which day is the New Moon?

1

Based on what you just drew, identify the days where the Moon’s phase is a waning crescent.

Task 5: Open this weblink to find the information you need for this task.
1

Explain why the Moon, stars, and Sun appear to change positions in the sky.

Task 6: Open this weblink to find the information you need for this task.
The Moon changes appearance throughout the month because of the position of the Earth, Moon, and Sun. Complete the drawings below, identifying the phase and drawing a picture of the correct Moon phase.
1

Identify the phase, and draw what the moon would look like.

1

Identify the phase, and draw what the moon would look like.

1

Identify the phase, and draw what the moon would look like.

1

Identify the phase, and draw what the moon would look like.

1

Identify the phase, and draw what the moon would look like.

1

Identify the phase, and draw what the moon would look like.

1
1

Identify the phase, and draw what the moon would look like.

Assessment:
1

On each of the eight tabs, write the name of the moon phase and the days this phase takes place in the lunar cycle. Shade each circle so that it accurately shows the amount of the moon visible from Earth during its phase.