We’ll explore all things lunar: the origin of the Moon, its ancient battered surface, and its tidal effects on Earth. Follow the Moon’s monthly path across the sky and learn why its shape appears to change.
Teacher Guide
Objectives
- Recount how the Moon formed from the impact of another planet with the Earth billions of years ago.
- Explain the difference between the light and dark regions of the Moon's surface.
- Name some geologic processes that result in a variety of lunar surface features.
- Name the phases of the Moon and identify them in order of appearance.
- Explain why the Earth's oceans have tides.
- Describe the reasons for solar and lunar eclipses.
Ohio's Learning Standards
Grade 7
Earth and Space Science – Cycles and Patterns of Earth and the Moon
- The relative pattern of motion and positions of the Earth, Moon, and Sun cause solar and lunar eclipses, tides, and phases of the Moon.
Grade 8
Earth and Space Science – Physical Earth
- A combination of constructive and destructive geologic processes formed the Earth's surface.
- Evidence of the dynamic changes of Earth's surface through time is found in the geologic record.
Earth and Space Sciences – Forces and Motion
- Forces between objects act when the objects are in direct contact or when they are not touching.
- Forces have magnitude and direction.