Italicized font represents information to be shared orally or physically completed with the students at this time.

The non-italicized font represents additional information included to support the teacher’s understanding of the content being introduced within the CELL.

ASK WHY

Remind students that space exploration provides us with knowledge about the origins of our solar system, planet Earth, and human origins. Exploration within our solar system is important because it provides us with an opportunity to make advancements in science and technology which can be a benefit to all of humankind, such as in the areas of communications and remote sensing. Cellular technology, for example, is dependent on satellite communications. Satellites are also used to monitor changes in Earth’s climate and ocean circulation, for weather forecasting, in aviation and marine navigation, and for military reconnaissance.

BRANCH OUT

Tell students that astrophysicists apply the laws of physics and chemistry to explain the birth, life, and death of stars, planets, galaxies, nebulae, and other objects in the universe.

GET FOCUSED

GO DEEPER

As a class, read the Background(s) in the Investigation. Have students read the information aloud or silently to themselves. When students have finished, discuss the following concepts as a class:

• Earth rotates, or spins, on a tilted axis.
• The planet Earth has one object in a constant orbit around it, which is called the Moon.
• The Moon revolves around the Earth, held in place by the Earth’s field of gravity.
• While the Moon revolves around the Earth, it revolves around the Sun with the Earth. The result is that anyone who views the Moon from the Earth sees different portions of the Moon that are illuminated by the light from the Sun. These visible portions of the Moon are what is termed the phases of the Moon.

Note: These concepts are integrated into the Background(s) and are used to deepen students’ comprehension of the big ideas.

LEARN THE LabLearner LINGO

The following list includes Key Terms that the teacher should introduce, as appropriate, within the CELL. These terms should be used, as appropriate, by teachers and students during everyday classroom discourse.

• revolution

Note: The definition of this term can be found on the Introduction page to the CELL.

Note: Additional words may be bolded within the Background(s). These words are not Key Terms and are strictly emphasized for exposure at this time.

SET FOR SUCCESS

• Briefly review how the motion of the Earth produces changes in the light that reaches Earth both in terms of day and night and the seasons.
• Discuss how the differences in the light that reaches the Earth changes the appearance of our environment. 
  • We experience a brightly illuminated environment during the day.
  • We experience a dark environment at night.
• Encourage students to think of another celestial body whose appearance changes during the month, the moon. If necessary, review the phases of the moon.
  • Ask students whether the Moon always appears the same from one night to the next. No. We can observe changes in the size and shape of the Moon.
  • Tell students that the different appearances of the Moon are called phases.
• Ask students to form a hypothesis of why we on Earth observe different phases of the moon.
  • Might it relate to the changes in the motion of the Earth or Moon? Briefly discuss students’ various ideas.
• Play the video below. Stop to ask students questions or answer students’ questions when necessary. Remind students to follow along with their SDRs and make any notes that they think might be helpful.
• After the video, direct students to divide into their lab groups to discuss their strategy for the lab. For example, they may assign certain group members to perform specific functions during the lab.

Note: The purpose of the video is to allow students to anticipate the laboratory experience they will soon encounter. Students should leave this PreLab session with a firm idea of what to expect and how to perform in the lab.

Note: Homework is posted below the video.

HOMEWORK

Tell students that they should review the Investigation in preparation for the Lab.