Modelling the Phases of the Moon

Dr Lisa Jardine-Wright

Cavendish Laboratory, Cambridge University

What is the Moon?

• Large chunk of rock that goes around the Earth in an orbit.

• Planets orbit a Sun, Moons orbit a planet

The Earth, Moon & Sun

Sun

Earth

Moon

The Earth, Sun & Moon

• In groups of 3 we are going to act out the movement of the Earth and Moon.– 1 person is the Sun– 1 person is the Earth– 1 person is the Moon

• Show how the Earth moves and how the moon moves

Why does the moon not look the same every night?

• Different phases of the moon

Naming the phases of the moon.

Model 1: Acting out the Phases of the Moon

Recording your results

When the Sun, Moon and Earth are in these positions the moon looks like this from Earth.

(Shade in this circle to show the shadow on the moon)

This phase of the moon is called a Full moon

Model 2: Shoebox Phases of the Moon

You will need:• Shoe box• Small torch• Black paint/paper• Squash ball• Pencil