MODULE 3
Exploring the Moon and Beyond – Observation, Phases, and Measurement
This section introduces students to the Moon’s phases, its role in Earth's systems, and why we see different shapes of the Moon each night.
Moon Phases picture by : Allan I. Carswell Observatory
Our Moon - Part 1
Topics Covered
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The Moon’s role in Earth's systems: How it affects tides, climate, and time measurement.
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Why the Moon appears to change shape: Understanding lunar phases and how the Moon reflects sunlight.
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The phases of the Moon: Learning the eight phases (New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, Waning Crescent).
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Why one side of the Moon always faces Earth: Understanding tidal locking and how the Moon's rotation matches its orbit.
Activities and Questions:
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Short answer questions about why the Moon has phases, the difference between waxing and waning, and why only one side of the Moon is visible from Earth.
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Multiple-choice questions testing knowledge on the cause of Moon phases, the length of a lunar cycle, and which phase is best for stargazing.
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True or false questions correcting misconceptions about the Moon’s brightness, how much of it is always lit, and whether Earth's shadow causes phases.
By completing this worksheet, students will develop a strong understanding of why the Moon appears to change shape and how its movement affects Earth.
Our Moon - Part 2
This section builds on the previous one by introducing mathematical methods for measuring distances and features on the Moon. Students will use the Pythagorean Theorem and trigonometric ratios to determine the sizes of craters, mountains, and other lunar structures.
Topics Covered:
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Using the Pythagorean Theorem:
Learning the formula a² + b² = c² to find missing side lengths in right triangles.
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Understanding trigonometric ratios: Using sine, cosine, and tangent to calculate distances.
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How these math tools apply to space exploration: How astronomers use the same principles to measure distances to planets and stars.
Activities and Questions:
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Pythagorean Theorem refresher with example problems.
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Trigonometry refresher covering sine, cosine, and tangent and when to use each ratio.
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Step-by-step example problem calculating the height of a crater using the Pythagorean Theorem and trigonometry.
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Practice problems where students apply these methods to real Moon measurements.
By the end of this worksheet, students will be able to apply math to space science, just like professional astronomers!
Final Overview
Each worksheet builds on the previous one:
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Our Moon - Part explains what we see in the night sky.
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Our Moon Part 2 shows how we measure what we see using math.
By completing these activities, students will gain a deeper appreciation of astronomy and practical skills they can apply to real-world scientific problems!
