MOON DANCE
from
A Spin Around the Solar System Series
Video Produced by...
Maslowski Wildlife Productions
Teacher’s guide by...
Lauren LaComb
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Table of Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Links to Curriculum Standards . . . . . . . .1
Summary of the Program . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Vocabulary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Student Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Instructional Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Student Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Introducing the Program . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Follow-Up Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Extended Learning Activities . . . . . . . . .7
Internet Sites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Reference Material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Answer Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Script of Narration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
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MOON DANCE
from A Spin Around the Solar System Series
Grades 5-8
Viewing Time: 15 minutes with a three-minute,
ten-question, Video Quiz
INTRODUCTION
This in-depth series covers a wide range of essential matters about the solar system. Such topics as planet formation, gravity, nuclear fusion, and the Big Bang theory are
presented concisely with the help of specially designed
graphics and animations. Each of the eight shows can be
presented as a free-standing lesson on its own, but the
shows also work together to reinforce important concepts
and to add breadth and depth to a student’s cumulative
knowledge.
LINKS TO CURRICULUM STANDARDS
This lesson correlates to the following standards, outlined
by the National Science Education Standards, for students in grades 5-8. Use individual state standard outlines to specify correlations to your state's guidelines.
Earth & Space Science (Content Standard D)
• Gravity is the force that keeps objects in the solar system in motion.
• Gravity explains the phenomena of the tides.
• Relative positions of the earth and moon.
• Most objects in the solar system are in a regular and
predictable motion. Those motions explain such phenomena as the day, the year, phases of the moon, and
eclipses.
SUMMARY OF PROGRAM
This program discusses theories of how the moon was
formed, the physical make-up of the moon, the affect the
moon has on Earth, tides, eclipses, and rotation and revolution.
1
On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong stepped from the Apollo
11 Lunar Lander onto the moon's surface. Due to human
exploration and extensive study of the moon, humans
know the moon better than any other space object in the
solar system. The moon formed about 4.5 billion years
ago, along with Earth. There are three theories of how
the moon started forming. First, some astronomers
believe the moon was created from a chunk of molten
Earth that was pulled away. Other scientists believe the
moon developed separately from the same space particles from which the Earth was created. A third theory suggests the moon was formed when Earth was struck by an
object the size of a small planet, and that chunk formed
the moon.
The moon started out molten and gradually cooled to
make its hard crust. While the surface was cooling, meteorites bombarded the moon's surface, creating its crater
appearance. As the crust developed, heat was trapped
below the surface, which forced up volcanoes. These volcanoes spread lava across large areas of the moon, covering some craters and forming smooth dark areas.
These dark areas are referred to as Maria, which means
many seas. People use to think these dark spots were
oceans, now they are known lava fields. The moon's volcanoes ended three million years ago, leaving the moon's
surface unchanged. Earth's surface is continually changing due to plates constantly moving and the movement of
water on Earth's surface.
Moons are common in the solar system; which houses
over 60. Earth's moon is mid-sized among those in the
solar system. In proportion to Earth, our moon is large. It
is a quarter of the diameter compared to Earth. The
moon's gravitational pull on Earth creates ocean tides.
Tides are the regular rise and fall of the ocean's level. In
the open ocean, the high tide raises the water about three
feet /one meter. Tide levels vary on coastlines, due to different coastline shapes. The gravitational pull causes a
distinct bulge to the ocean. The high-tide bulge always
stays with the moon, as the moon revolves around the
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Earth. There is a second ocean bulge on the backside of
Earth that is less affected by the moon's gravity because
it is farther from the moon. This second bulge creates a
second high tide for the day. Therefore, every day ocean
coasts have two high tides and two low tides.
The time at which high tides occur change slightly every
day. As Earth spins around quickly below, friction between
Earth and water push the water ahead of the moon just a
little. Over long periods of time, this friction and the timing difference between Earth's rotation and moon's slow
orbit affects the synchronization of Earth and the moon.
Astronomers calculate the moon's gravitational pull is
slowing down the length of Earth's day. In a billion years,
a day on Earth will have stretched from 24 hours to 30.
Earth's gravity has pulled the moon into a synchronized
orbit. As a result, we always see the same side of the
moon. The moon goes through a series of phases as it
orbits Earth every 29 days. The moon is lit by the sun and
we see the reflected light. As the moon slowly revolves
around the Earth, we see the moon face from a different
angle. The line separating the light from the dark sections
is called the terminator. The moon starts as the new
moon, which we do not see. It gradually waxes, growing
larger in size. About two week later, the moon is full. As
the moon wanes, it becomes smaller. When the moon
passes in front of the sun, the moon casts a shadow.
When the shadow lands on Earth, it is referred to as an
eclipse. When the moon partly blocks the sun, it is a partial eclipse and when the moon fully blocks the sun it
referred to as a full eclipse.
The moon is slowly moving away from the Earth. In 10
million years, the moon's gravitation will no longer affect
tides. Eventually, the Earth's rotation and the moon's orbit
will synchronize. Then both the moon and Earth will be
locked face to face until they cease to exist.
Note:
Underlined words are identified vocabulary words to
3
enhance student understanding.
VOCABULARY
moon
Earth
revolution
molten
volcanoes
Maria
phases
waxes
new moon
gravitational
tides
eclipses
rotation
crust
meteorites crater
diameter ocean's
orbit
wanes
eclipse
synchronize
terminator
partial eclipse
full eclipse
STUDENT OBJECTIVES
After viewing the program and participating in the followup activities, students should be able to:
• Define key terminology and utilize context.
• Identify how the moon's gravitational pull affects Earth's
surface.
• Explain the revolution of the moon around Earth and the
rotation on its axis.
• Identify the phases of the moon.
• Explain what an eclipse is.
• Explain the effect gravity has on objects on Earth and
the moon's gravitational pull on Earth.
INSTRUCTIONAL NOTES
Before presenting this lesson to your students, we suggest that you preview the program, review the guide, and
the accompanying blackline master activities in order to
familiarize yourself with their content.
As you review the materials presented in this guide, you
may find it necessary to make some changes, additions
or deletions to meet the specific needs of your class. We
encourage you to do so; for only by tailoring this program
to your class will they obtain the maximum instructional
benefits afforded by the materials.
4
STUDENT PREPARATION
You may want the students to view the vocabulary words
addressed in the lesson prior to showing the program.
This may be accomplished by implementing a Word
Splash. A Word Splash is an active learning activity that
introduces the students to vocabulary words to which they
will be exposed in the program. By doing this activity, students are given the chance to show what words they
know well, and become aware of the words they need to
learn. This is a good pre- and post-activity. It excites the
students and gets them thinking.
Materials: Write all of the vocabulary words on an overhead (see Blackline Master 1, Word Splash) or individually on pieces of paper.
Procedure: Have students create sentences using as
many words as possible. This may be done individually, in
partners, or in small groups. Have the students share
their sentences and post them. By exposing the students
to vocabulary prior to viewing the program, students will
be prepared to listen for these words in the program.
Additionally, they will want to find the correct meaning.
Note:
Word Splash may be done at the conclusion of the entire
lesson to assess learning accomplished by students.
INTRODUCING THE PROGRAM
An optional activity to activate prior knowledge is provided on Blackline Master 2, Anticipation Guide. This will
help you determine the level of student comprehension
prior to participating in this lesson. Ask students to share
what they know about the moon, what it is made of, and
how does the moon move. For example, the moon
rotates once on its axis every 29.5 days. Tell them that
they will complete the Anticipation Guide about the moon
5
prior to viewing the program. Explain that they are not
expected to get all answers correct, but they are expected to try their best. Go over the Anticipation Guide after
viewing the program to discuss correct answers. An
answer key begins on page 9 of this Teacher's Guide.
Present the program. The program length is 18 minutes
long.
FOLLOW-UP ACTIVITIES
The following Blackline Activity Master sheets are
included with this guide. They correlate with the learning
objectives and Standards outlined on page one of this
guide. You may replicate and distribute them as needed.
Following the program, students may have additional
questions. The facilitator may want to hold off questions
until follow-up activities are completed. Students may
write these answers down and the class may review them
prior to the post-test. By doing so, the students may find
the answers on their own.
This program concludes with a ten-question Video Quiz,
which may be used to gauge student comprehension
immediately after the presentation of the program.
Blackline Master 3, Video Quiz provides students with a
printed copy of the Video Quiz.
As a class, you may wish to discuss questions that
appear on Blackline Master 4, Discussion Questions.
These questions should be copied onto an overhead or
distributed to students, in order to meet the needs of your
visual learners.
To utilize terminology in context, first review words from
Word Splash (Blackline Master 1, Word Splash) as a
class. Then have students fill out Blackline Master 5,
Cloze Activity. This activity covers the positions of the
moon and Earth.
6
To help students identify the phases of the moon use
Blackline Master 6, Phases of the Moon. Students can
start by drawing rough drafts and peer conferencing with
one another for accuracy. Make sure students are utilizing
suggested vocabulary words appropriately. Post illustrations in the classroom.
To practice the concept how the moon's gravitational pull
affects Earth, have students complete Blackline Master
7, How Are Tides Created? This cooperative learning
activity provides students the opportunity to discuss how
tides are created by the moon's gravitational pull. This is
a great opportunity for student observations. Have students share their explanations. Possibly include the best
one in your next newsletter home.
In order for students to explain what an eclipse is, use
Blackline Master 8, Eclipses Graphic Organizer.
To conclude your study A Spin in the Solar System: The
Moon Dance, use Blackline Master 9, Post-Test. This
should be given to your students after viewing the program and completing additional activities to assess their
knowledge of the topic.
EXTENDED LEARNING ACTIVITIES
SCIENCE EXTENSIONS: Students really enjoy the concept of traveling to space. Give students the opportunity
to research food that is taken on missions. Have students
investigate how the food is made, why it is made the way
it is, and how it has changed over the years. Contact your
local planetarium for more information.
ART CONNECTION: Provide students with pictures of the
moon. Have students create a 3-D model of the moon.
To further challenge students, have students create 3-D
models of the orbit of the moon around Earth, eclipses, or
phases of the moon.
MATH CONNECTION: First discuss what a Blue Moon is.
Then have students figure out if there would be any
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months that have a blue moon for the school year. To
help students know the current phase of the moon to
date, use local newspapers.
CREATIVE WRITING CONNECTION: Have students
bring in poems about the moon and then have them write
their own. If students are having a difficult time, give them
recipes for poetry, such as bio-poems, diamantes, haikus,
or limericks.
SOCIAL STUDIES CONNECTION: Research Apollo 11
Lunar Lander mission in 1969. Compare it to missions
that are currently going on.
TECHNOLOGY CONNECTION: Have students go to
http://www.moonlink.com and read up on current
events about the moon. Another activity is to play Fact
Finder. Give the students 30 minutes on the Internet to
discover as many facts about the moon as they can.
INTERNET SITES
http://quest.arc.nasa.gov (Nasa's K-12 internet initiative)
http://www.nsta.org/ (National Science Teacher's
Association)
http://www.nasa.gov (NASA)
http://www.sln.org/ (Science Learning Network)
http://ajkids.com (Resource for students to use when
searching the internet)
http://K12.njin.net/educationlinks.html (Collaborative
projects throughout the United States)
http://www.smv.org/hastings/galaxy.htm (Science
Learning Network)
http://www.moonlink.com (Nasa's site on the moon)
REFERENCE MATERIALS
The Origin of the Universe. Andres L. Ruiz. Sterling
Publishing Co., INC., NY. 1996. 0-8069-9744-3.
Exploring the Reaches of the Solar System. Ray Spangenburg & Diane Moser. Fact on File, NY, Oxford,
Sydney. 1990. 0-8160-1850-2.
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Merlin's Tour of the Universe. Neil de Grasse Tyson.
Doubleday, NY. 1989. 0-385-48835-1.
The Moon. Carmen Bredson. Franklin Watts: A Division of
Grolier, NY, London, Hong Kong, Sydney, and Danburg,
Connecticut. 1998. 0531-20308-5.
ANSWER KEY
Blackline Master 1, Word Splash
Answers to the Word Splash will vary. When you use it
before viewing the program, do not expect correct connections at the beginning of the lesson. After viewing the
program and completion of Blackline Masters, expect correct connections.
Blackline Master 2, Anticipation Guide
1. T
2. F, both formed 4.5 billion years ago
3.T
4. F; The moon's volcanoes were active three billion years
ago.
5. F; The Maria is the dark area of the moon where lava
filled in craters.
6. T
7. T
8. F; There are two high tides and two low tides a day.
9. T
10. F; The moon reflects the light of the sun.
11. T
12. F; We always see the same side of the moon.
13. T
14. T
15. F; There are over 60 moons in the solar system.
9
Blackline Master 3, Video Quiz
1. days, hours
6. gravity
2. true
7. slowing down
3. thicker
8. new
4. lava
9. tides
5. true
10. rotation
Blackline Master 4, Discussion Questions
1. Answers will vary. The main concepts that should be
discussed are the moon's gravitational affect on Earth
and Earth's gravitational pull on the moon to stay in orbit.
2. First, some astronomers believe the moon was created
from a chunk of molten Earth that was pulled away. Other
scientists believe the moon developed separately from
the same space particles from which the Earth was created. A third theory suggests the moon was formed when
Earth was struck by an object the size of a small planet,
and that chunk formed the moon
3. Meteorites hitting the surface of the moon created its
face. The dark areas of the moon, Maria, are lava fields
that were created over three billion years ago.
4. Answers will vary. It is important to discuss how Earth's
surface is constantly changing and the moon's surface
has hardly changed over the past three billion years.
5. The crust is cracked into 20 plates. These plates move
along the mantle. Different types of movements cause
volcanoes, mountains, and earthquakes. The effect of
water moving, erosion, also changes the surface.
6. The moon's gravitational pull affects the ocean's tides.
7. Answers will vary. Scientific observations and prior
knowledge about gravity should be discussed.
8. A tide is the rise and fall of the ocean's level. In the
open ocean, the water level raises about three feet /one
meter. Levels along coastlines vary.
9. The moon rotates on its axis very slowly compared to
Earth. It takes about 29 days to rotate on its axis, whereas the Earth takes only 24 hours.
10. As the Earth spins around quickly, friction between the
earth and water push ahead of the moon just a little.
10
11. Earth has pulled the moon into a synchronized orbit
around Earth, as well as rotation on its axis.
12. The moon goes through a series of phases as it orbits
Earth every 29 days. As the moon slowly revolves around
the Earth, we see the moon face from a different angle.
The moon starts as the new moon, which we do not see.
It gradually waxes, growing larger in size. About two
weeks later, the moon is full. As the moon wanes, it
becomes smaller.
13. When the moon casts a shadow on Earth.
14. Answers will vary.
15. The moon is moving slowly away from Earth. The farther away it moves, the less gravitational pull it will have.
This will not happen for a very long time.
Blackline Master 5, Cloze Activity
1. tides
2. ocean's
3. gravity
4. Earth
5. month
6. orbit
7. 24
8. water
9. moon
10. rotation
11. 30
Blackline Master 6, Phases of the Moon
Illustrations will vary. An optional modification for this
activity is to allow students to act out the phases of the
moon with manipulatives or peers. This is a great opportunity for student observations. Make sure students do
not mix up waxing and waning.
Blackline Master 7, How Are Tides Created?
Explanations will vary. Clearly explain your expectations
for this activity, such as spelling, neatness, cooperative
learning roles, etc. When grading, make sure students
used the vocabulary within the context correctly.
Blackline Master 8, Eclipses Graphic Organizer
Student definitions will vary. Encourage the use of the dictionary. The students should include in their explanations
that an eclipse is the moon's shadow on Earth. When the
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moon partly blocks the sun, it is a partial eclipse. When
the moon completely blocks the sun, it is a full eclipse.
Blackline Master 9, Post-Test
1. B
6. B
2. C
7. D
3. A
8. A
4. B
9. C
5. A
10. C
The Moon Dance
Script Narration
A bright moon, which seems so big and magical in the
night sky, can affect our thoughts and emotions. The
moon can also affect the behavior of animals. Many of
them, such as certain fish and deer, often become more
active when the moon is full.
But perhaps the strongest affect of the moon is on the
Earth itself. The moon and Earth have been dancing
together for billions of years. The Earth, nearly four times
the moon's diameter, clearly leads the dance; but the
moon in turn has important influences on Earth. Let's look
closer at the moon and its partner Earth as they sweep
through time and space together.
There is no other place in space we know as well as the
moon. It's close enough we can study a number of features with unaided eyes, and lots of details with a modest
telescope.
And more than that, the moon is the only place in space
where humans have set foot. In a history-book journey, on
July 20th, 1969, Neil Armstrong stepped from the Apollo
11 Lunar Lander onto the moon's surface. This trip, plus
the five that followed over the next three years, brought
back samples of moon rocks and some out-of this-world
experiences.
The moon and Earth appear to have both formed at the
same time, about 4.5 billion years ago, from more or less
12
the same type of materials. We are not exactly sure how
the moon got started. Some astronomers believe the
moon was created when a big glob pulled away from
Earth. Other scientists think the moon developed separately from the same cluster of space particles that
formed Earth. Still others suggest that the moon was created when Earth was struck by an object the size of a
small planet. This object knocked out chunks of Earth
and kept going. The chunks, however, eventually
regrouped in Earth orbit to form the moon.
At first, the moon and Earth were so hot they were molten,
or melted. Gradually their surfaces cooled to make crusts.
While the crusts formed, meteorites bombarded the
moon, and probably the Earth as well. Billions of years
ago, space was much more cluttered with chunks of rock
and metal that collided with things in their path. The hardened crust of the moon preserves some of those countless early impact craters.
Soon after the moon's crust developed, heat trapped
below forced up volcanoes. These volcanoes spread lava
across larges areas of the moon, covering up some of the
impact craters and forming the smooth dark areas we
today call Maria. Maria is plural for mare, which means
sea; people once thought these might be oceans. Today,
we know they are lava fields. Since the volcanoes ended
their activity three billion years ago, the moon's surface
has hardly changed.
Earth's surface, on the other hand, has never stopped
changing. The Earth has not cooled as much because it's
bigger, and the crust remains thin and weak. In fact, the
crust is cracked into about 20 pieces called plates, and
these plates creep over the molten rock below. By creating mountains, volcanoes, and other surface features,
plate movements slowly, but constantly change the look
of our planet. Erosion also changes the Earth's surface.
The moon lacks erosion-causing surface water and wind.
Although the moon and Earth had a similar start, they
13
have taken quite different paths, mainly because of their
difference in size.
Moons are not unusual in the solar system. In fact, over
60 moons orbit other planets. Saturn and Uranus both
have over 20 each. Many of the moons around the solar
system are only a few hundred miles, or kilometers,
across, but a couple are larger than Mercury. Earth's
moon is mid-sized among those of the solar system.
However, in proportion to Earth, our moon is quite big.
Only Pluto's moon is proportionally larger.
One of the moon's most noticeable affects on Earth is
ocean tides. Tides are the regular rise and fall of the
ocean's level. In the open ocean, the high tide raises the
water level about three feet or one meter over the low
tide. Along coasts, tides levels vary because of coastline
shape. In particular, shallow bays concentrate water into
a small area and increase tide height. The world's highest tides, reaching nearly 45 feet, or 15 meters, occur in
the Bay of Fundi, on Canada's east coast.
The moon creates tides through the pull of its gravity.
This pull is not enough to affect the Earth’s crust much,
but it's enough to cause a distinct bulge to the ocean. To
appreciate the strength of gravity, feel how heavy a single
bucketful of water is, then consider that the moon lifts part
of an entire ocean.
The high-tide ocean bulge always stays with the moon as
the moon travels around Earth about once a month.
Meanwhile, Earth rapidly rotates once a day below. From
high above the North Pole, we can compare the progress
of the high tide to the rotating Earth. As we'll learn later,
this difference in speed has important consequences.
We also can see a second ocean bulge on the backside
of the Earth. This is water less affected by the moon's
gravity, because it is farther away from the moon.
When this backside bulge passes by, it creates a second
high tide for the day. So every day ocean coasts have two
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high tides and two low tides.
The time at which high tides occur change slightly every
day. Remember, as the Earth spins, the moon moves in
its orbit around Earth. So by the time this point on Earth
circles around again 24 hours later, the moon has moved
ahead to over here. High tide at this point will have to wait
until Earth catches up with the moon, roughly 50 minutes
later.
Long ago, scientists noticed high tide bulges don't travel
exactly in line with the moon. They travel slightly ahead of
it. Why? As the Earth spins around quickly below the
ocean bulge, friction between the earth and water push
the water ahead of the moon just a little.
Over long periods, this friction and the timing difference
between the Earth's rapid rotation and the moon's slow
orbit affects both dance partners. Astronomers calculate
that every century, because of the moon's pull, Earth's
rotation takes about 1/ 500th of a second longer. A billion
years ago, a day on Earth was only 19 hours instead of
24. In another billion years, a day will have stretched to 30
hours.
Earth's gravity has affected the moon even more strongly
and pulled the moon into a synchronized orbit. That is,
the moon rotates on its axis at the same rate as it orbits
the Earth. As a result, we always see the same side of
the moon. Astronomers think that maybe this side of the
moon is slightly heavier than the far side, and as a result,
is pulled harder by gravity.
Though we always see the same side of the moon, the
moon doesn't always look the same. Over a period of
about 29 days, the moon goes through a series of phases. As shown here, the moon is lit by the sun, and we see
the reflected light. As the moon circles the Earth, we see
that lighted moon face from a different angle.
When the moon is here, we see a big bright full moon. As
the moon moves over here, the fullness gradually
15
decreases. The line separating the light from dark sections is called the terminator.
After about 14 days of travel, the moon has circled
halfway around its orbit path, so it now lies between the
Earth and sun. We no longer see the moon at night. We
call this moon phase the new moon. After the new moon,
the moon swings past the sun and its face gradually
waxes, or increases in size, until its big, bright and full
about two weeks later.
When the moon passes in front of the sun, the moon
casts a shadow. Usually the shadow misses Earth, but
once in a while things line up so the shadow lands on us.
We call this event an eclipse. The moon may only partly
block the sun, which we call a partial eclipse. When the
moon completely blocks the sun, we enjoy a rare full
eclipse.
By chance, we live in a time when the moon and sun
appear the same size in the sky. However, the moon is
slowly moving away from Earth, about one and half inches or three centimeters per year. In ten million years, the
moon will have moved so far away, it no longer will affect
tides. Eventually, the Earth's rotation and moon's orbit will
synchronize, because the slow drag of the tides and the
moon's gravity will gradually bring Earth's spin to a halt.
Then, both moon and Earth will dance locked face to face
until they cease to exist.
VIDEO QUIZ
Let's take a few minutes to review some of the things you
learned in this video. In the following quiz fill in the blanks
with the correct words when you hear this tone.
Good luck. And let's begin.
1) The moon orbits the earth once every 29 __; while the
earth rotates on its axis once every 24 _____.
2) True or False: The earth and moon seem to have
formed from the same type of materials. _____
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3) Is the moon's crust thicker or thinner than Earth's?
_____
4) Maria on the moon are not seas as once thought, but
fields of _____ from volcanoes that are no longer active.
5) True or False: Our solar system has over 60 moons.
_____
6) The moon causes tides through the pull of its _____.
7) Because of the pull of the moon's gravity and the friction of tides, is Earth's rotation speeding up or slowing
down? ______
8) We can't see the moon at night when it is between the
sun and Earth. We call this phase the ____ moon.
9) In 10 million years, the moon will have moved so far
away, it will no longer affect ____.
10) In the distant future, the earth's _____and the
moon's orbit will synchronize, and the pair will face each
other until they cease to exist. (rotation)
17
1
Name __________________
A Spin in the Solar System: MOON DANCE
Word Splash
moon
Earth
eclipses
rotation
crust
tides
revolution
crater
meteorites
volcanoes
molten
diameter
Maria
gravitational
ocean
orbit
phases
terminator
new moon
gravity
wanes
waxes
full eclipse
synchronize
partial eclipse
© 2001 Maslowski Wildlife Productions
Published and Distributed by United Learning
All rights to print materials cleared for classroom duplication and distribution.
2
Name __________________
A Spin in the Solar System: MOON DANCE
Anticipation Guide
Directions: Answer the following questions by circling the correct response. Do your best!
1. In 1969, the first American to set foot on the moon
True
False
2. The moon formed after Earth.
True
False
3. The moon's surface is covered with craters that were formed
by meteorites hitting it.
True
False
4. The moon has active volcanoes.
True
False
5. Maria is the area on the moon that looks like a woman.
True
False
6. The moon's surface has hardly changed over the past
three billion years.
True
False
7. The moon's noticeable affect on Earth is ocean tides.
True
False
8. There is one high tide and one low tide a day.
True
False
9. According to scientists, the moon is actually slowing
Earth's rotation on its axis.
True
False
10. The moon produces its own light.
True
False
11. The line separating the light from dark sections of the
moon is called the "terminator".
True
False
12. We see every angle of the moon.
True
False
13. An "eclipse" happens when the moon casts a shadow on Earth.
True
False
14. The moon is slowly moving away from Earth.
True
False
15. There are about 30 moons in our solar system.
True
False
After viewing the program, review your answers. See how many questions you answered correctly.
Review the ones you answered incorrectly.
© 2001 Maslowski Wildlife Productions
Published and Distributed by United Learning
All rights to print materials cleared for classroom duplication and distribution.
3
Name __________________
A Spin in the Solar System: MOON DANCE
Video Quiz
Directions: Now that you have viewed the program, let's challenge your memory by answering some
quiz questions. Fill in the blanks with the correct words. Good luck!
1. The moon orbits the earth once every 29 ________________ ; while the earth rotates on its axis
once every 24 _____________ .
2. True or False? The earth and moon seem to have formed from the same type of materials. _____
3. Is the moon's crust thinner or thicker than Earth's? __________________
4. Maria on the moon are not seas as once thought, but fields of ________________ from volcanoes
that are no longer active.
5. True or False? Our solar system has over 60 moons. ______
6. The moon causes tides through the pull of its _______________ .
7. Because the pull of the moon's gravity and the friction of tides, is the earth's rotation speeding up
or slowing down? ____________________________
8. We can't see the moon at night when it is between the sun and Earth. We call this phase the
__________________ moon.
9. In 10 million years, the moon will have moved so far away it will no longer affect _____________ .
10. In the distant future, the Earth's _______________________ and the moon's orbit will synchronize, and the pair will face each other until they cease to exist.
© 2001 Maslowski Wildlife Productions
Published and Distributed by United Learning
All rights to print materials cleared for classroom duplication and distribution.
4
Name __________________
A Spin in the Solar System: MOON DANCE
Discussion Questions
Directions: Answer the following questions as directed by your teacher.
1. What did the program mean by the moon and Earth have been dancing together for years?
2. What are some theories discussed in the program on how the moon was formed?
3. What has created the unique crust of the moon?
4. How is Earth's crust different from the moon's crust?
5. What are some causes for the changing of Earth's surface?
6. Why does the moon affect Earth's ocean tides?
7. How do you think scientists figured out that the moon had this effect on Earth?
8. Explain an ocean tide.
9. How is the moon's rotation different from Earth's?
10. What is the effect of this difference in rotation speed?
11. How has Earth's gravity affected the moon?
12. Explain the phases of the moon.
13. What is a lunar eclipse?
14. Has anyone ever witnessed an eclipse? Please explain your experience.
15. Why will the moon no longer affect tides one day?
© 2001 Maslowski Wildlife Productions
Published and Distributed by United Learning
All rights to print materials cleared for classroom duplication and distribution.
5
Name __________________
A Spin in the Solar System: MOON DANCE
Cloze Activity: Positions Of The Moon And Earth
Directions: Choose the correct word from the word box to complete the paragraph below.
gravity
rotation
Earth
orbit
month
ocean’s
moon
twenty-four
thirty
tides
water
One of the moon's most noticeable affects on Earth are ocean (1.) ________. Tides are the regular
rise and fall of the (2.) ______________ level. The moon creates tides through the pull of its (3.)
____________________ . This pull is not enough to affect Earth's crust, but it is enough to cause a
distinct bulge in the ocean. The high-tide ocean bulge always stays with the moon as the moon travels around (4.)___________________ , about once a (5.)
________.
We also see a second bulge on the backside of Earth, which creates a second high-tide for the day.
The time at which high-tides occur changes slightly each day. As Earth spins, the moon moves in its
(6.) ____________________ around Earth. By the time Earth rotates around its axis (7.) _________
hours later, the moon has moved ahead. As Earth spins around quickly, friction between the earth and
(8.) _________________ push the water ahead of the (9.) _________________ a bit. Over long periods, this friction and timing difference between the earth's rapid (10.)__________________ and the
moon's slow orbit affects both the moon and Earth. Astronomers calculate that every century, because
of the moon's pull, Earth's rotation takes about 1/500th of a second longer. A billion years ago, a day
on Earth was only 19 hours instead of 24 hours. In another billion years, a day will last (11.) ________
hours. Will you be around to see this effect?
© 2001 Maslowski Wildlife Productions
Published and Distributed by United Learning
All rights to print materials cleared for classroom duplication and distribution.
6
Name __________________
A Spin in the Solar System: MOON DANCE
Phases of the Moon
Directions: Draw the four phases of the moon. Use additional materials if needed. Here are some
vocabulary words that may help you.
waxing,
waning,
new moon,
full moon,
terminator
LABEL your illustration.
© 2001 Maslowski Wildlife Productions
Published and Distributed by United Learning
All rights to print materials cleared for classroom duplication and distribution.
7
Name __________________
A Spin in the Solar System: MOON DANCE
How Are Tides Created?
The moon has a special effect on Earth and our ocean's tides. With your partner, come up with the
best explanation of how tides are created. Here are some vocabulary words that should be included
in your explanation.
moon
Earth gravity tide
ocean
rotation
orbit
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© 2001 Maslowski Wildlife Productions
Published and Distributed by United Learning
All rights to print materials cleared for classroom duplication and distribution.
8
Name __________________
A Spin in the Solar System: MOON DANCE
Eclipse Graphic Organizer
Directions: Fill in the graphic organizer below. Use your scientific mind to fill in each area.
Partial eclipse
Definition
Full eclipse
Use the word in a
sentence.
© 2001 Maslowski Wildlife Productions
Published and Distributed by United Learning
All rights to print materials cleared for classroom duplication and distribution.
9
Name __________________
A Spin in the Solar System: MOON DANCE
Post-Test
Directions: Answer the following questions by circling the correct answer. Remember to doublecheck your work for accuracy after you have completed the test. Do your best!
1. Which answer is a scientific theory of how the moon formed?
A. It was created after the Earth was created.
B. The moon was created from part of the Earth that was knocked off by another planet.
C. The moon was once a planet that was pulled in by Earth's gravity.
D. It was formed two billion years ago.
2. What created the moon's surface?
A. asteroids
B. Other planets hitting it.
C. meteorites
D. Earth colliding with it a long time ago.
3. The moon's surface has hardly changed over the past 3 billion years?
A. True
B. False
4. What is the moon's most noticeable affect on Earth?
A. Eclipses
B. Tides
C. Phases of the moon
D. None of the above
5. Earth spins more quickly on its axis than the moon does on its axis?
A. True
B. False
6. Earth's gravity has affected the moon in which way?
A. Created the surface of the moon.
B. Pulled the moon into a synchronized orbit.
C. Creates eclipses.
D. Created the Maria.
7. Which one is not a phase of the moon?
A. New moon
B. Waxing
C. Waning
D. Old moon
8. The moon is slowly moving away from Earth?
A. True
B. False
9. How does an eclipse occur?
A. From the gravitational pull of Earth.
B. When a volcano erupts on the moon.
C. When the moon passes in front of the sun and casts a shadow on Earth.
10. What force causes tides?
A. The Earth's gravitational pull.
B. The sun's gravitational pull.
C. The moon's gravitational pull.
© 2001 Maslowski Wildlife Productions
Published and Distributed by United Learning
All rights to print materials cleared for classroom duplication and distribution.