Skip to main content
  • Moon Tricks

    Book Chapter |

    The apparent daily motion of the Moon and other celestial objects through the sky is a major science concept. This story is designed to call attention to the changes in position and shape of the Moon over time. Its…

  • Phases of the Moon

    Book Chapter |

    Every 29.5 days, the Moon’s shape appears to change in a predictable cycle. We call the shapes phases of the Moon. This activity will show how the Moon’s orbit causes the Moon’s phases. Students use Ping-Pong or…

  • Phases of the Moon

    Book Chapter |

    The cause for the changing appearance of the Moon—its phases—is a difficult concept for many people to learn, and this gives rise to some surprisingly stubborn preconceptions. The phases are caused by the fact that we…

  • Seeing the Moon

    Book Chapter |

    The purpose of this assessment probe is to elicit students’ ideas about when we can see the Moon. The probe is designed to reveal whether students recognize that the Moon can be seen at different times during the…

  • Moon Spin

    Book Chapter |

    The purpose of this assessment probe is to elicit students’ ideas about the Moon’s motion. The probe is designed not only to find out if students know how long it takes for the Moon to make a complete rotation but also…

  • Chinese Moon

    Book Chapter |

    The purpose of this assessment probe is to elicit students’ ideas about Moon phases when observed from different locations. The probe is designed to determine if students are able to take the “space point of view” when…

  • Crescent Moon

    Book Chapter |

    The purpose of this assessment probe is to elicit students’ ideas about how much of the spherical Moon is lit by the Sun at any point in time. The probe is designed to reveal whether students recognize that at any point…

  • Is the Moon Falling?

    Book Chapter |

    The purpose of this assessment probe is to elicit students’ ideas about gravity. The probe is designed to determine whether students understand the role of gravity in maintaining the Moon in its orbit.

  • Moon Tricks

    Book Chapter |

    The apparent daily motion of the Moon and other celestial objects through the sky is a major science concept. This story is designed to call attention to the changes in position and shape of the Moon over time. Its…

  • Copper Moon

    Book Chapter |

    In this lesson, two friends living across the country from each other see a lunar eclipse at the same time and wonder how it is possible. Key words and concepts covered are lunar eclipse. Crosscutting concepts explored…

  • Gazing at the Moon

    Book Chapter |

    The purpose of this assessment probe is to elicit students’ ideas about the Earth-Sun-Moon system. The probe is designed to uncover students’ ideas about Moon phases and whether they think the phase of the moon changes…

  • To the Moon, Alice!

    Book Chapter |

    You now know enough about force and motion to design a trip to the Moon. After all, if they can get a man on the Moon, you can understand science. In the first section of this chapter, the author teaches you the basics…

  • Seeing the Moon

    Book Chapter |

    In this chapter, the objective of the activity “Crater Making” is to explore the formation of impact craters. Chapters 1 and 2 are also included in this book selection. Chapter 1 focuses on science inquiry and the use…

  • Online Extras: Next Time You See the Moon

    Page |

    Online Extras: Next Time You See the Moon Dear Educator, Here are some activities to do before and after reading Next Time You See the Moon. Feel free to pick and choose from the list based on the age of the children and your purpose for reading. Reading more nonfiction texts is a key shift in the Common Core ELA…

  • Moon, Math, and Literacy

    Journal Article |

Asset 2