Earth Science Orbiting Objects Activity

Required standard: NGSS ESS 1-4 Use mathematical or computational representations to predict
the motion of orbiting objects in the solar system
Breakout Room Activity Instructions:
Work with your partner to answer the questions on the boards. You may use:
the lessons in the course,
the internet,
and the https://www.explorelearning.com/ gizmo listed on the board
Each person in the group should be able to answer the questions, so be sure to help each
other!
Raise your hand or send me a PM when you are ready to show your understanding (or if
you need help)! If I am busy helping another group, you may move to the next activity
while you wait.
Activities:
1. Moon Phases- phases of the moon gizmo
2. Solar Eclipse- 3D eclipse gizmo
3. Lunar Eclipse- 3D eclipse gizmo
4. Eclipse Challenge Questions- 3D eclipse gizmo

Activity 1: Moon Phases- https://www.explorelearning.com/ Phases of the Moon gizmo

1. List all 8 of the moons phases

2. Clearly explain how the moon phases are produced including the relative positions of the
earth, moon, and sun.

3. What evidence exists that the moon rotates on its axis?

4. What is the length of one rotation? How can you tell?

5. How do moon phases provide evidence of the movement of objects in the solar system?

Activity 2: Orbiting Objects Solar Eclipse- https://www.explorelearning.com/ 3D Eclipse gizmo

1. During which phase of the moon can a solar eclipse be observed?
2. Clearly explain how a solar eclipse happens including the relative positions of the earth,
moon, and sun.

3. Use the lessons or internet: What is a penumbra? Where can a penumbra be seen? What is
an umbra? What is the difference?
Earth Science Orbiting Objects Activity
4. How do solar eclipses provide evidence of the movement of objects in the solar system?

Activity 3: Orbiting Objects Lunar Eclipse- https://www.explorelearning.com/ 3D Eclipse gizmo

1. During which phase of the moon can a lunar eclipse be observed?
2. Clearly explain how a lunar eclipse happens including the relative positions of the earth,
moon, and sun.

3. How do lunar eclipses provide evidence of the movement of objects in the solar system?

Activity 4: Orbiting Objects Eclipse Challenge- https://www.explorelearning.com/ 3D Eclipse

gizmo
1. How is the chance of witnessing an eclipse (solar and lunar) changed when moon angle
and moon distance are changed? Include a description of evidence from the gizmo to
support your answer.

2. How does the time of year affect eclipses? Include evidence from the gizmo to support
your answer.