THE MOON

When investigating the simulation, the moon clock, and/or the model, what did you notice about the phases of the moon?
- The phases of the moon change depending on the position of the sun, depending on the moon. When the sunlight reaches the moon it then is reflected, making the moon appear illuminated. The parts that do not get sunlight appear as shadow and are not visible.

Why do we see different parts of the moon each night?
- As I explained above, we see different parts, because different parts of the moon's face are illuminated.

How well did making a model help you understand the phases of the moon?
- The model helped me understand the phases of the moon by labeling them and telling me the names. It helped me understand the different phases the moon goes through while getting from full moon to full moon.

What are some disadvantages of using models?
- The model doesn't really give that much of a realistic view it mainly just explains the phases of the moon but doesn't really show us how the moon makes it way around the earth, this is why I found the simulation much better because you could really visualize it.

Scientists are thinking all the time about how they can make models of objects that are too small or too large to see: Can you think of another way to make a model to represent the various phases of the moon?
- I think something that would be cool, would to have a sun, which would radiate light from a bulb in the middle. Then using a magnetic pull (just like those globes the levitate in the air using magnets) I would make it so that not only can you see the phases of the moon as it revolves around earth but you can also she how.

What causes an eclipse to occur?
- Eclipses occur when the moon and the sun and earth are all aligned, there are 2 types of eclipses, lunar and solar. A lunar eclipse is when the moon passes through the shadow of the earth, making the sun and moon on opposite sides. A solar eclipse is more spectacular, and it is when the moon passes directly between the sun and the earth, blocking the sun from view.

How do the moon, sun and Earth interact to cause so many things to occur?

- Well the earth revolves around the sun, the sun being the things that gives life to our planet. The moon revolves around the earth, giving us tides and spectacular scenes, such as an eclipse. This is all interconnected into a delicate balance so that everything works to together. The sun and the earth, the earth and the moon, giving us things that we live with everyday.

What causes a tide?

- A tide occurs because of the gravitational forces and field of the earth and the sun, as well of the centrifugal force from the earth's rotating. When the placement of all the planets or celestial bodies change then so the the height of the surface. So when earth, sun and the oon are aligned water levels are pulled and then they rise.