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Our Solar System: The Earth-Moon-Sun SystemTitle: Moon Phases LabObjectives: Before completing this lab, you should understandhow lunar phases result from different portions of the moon’s illuminated half being visible as the moon orbits Earththe movement of the Earth-Sun-Moon systemAfter doing this lab, you should be able tore-create a lunar cycle using simple materialsdescribe the angle of the Earth-Sun-Moon system that produces each of the moon phasesMaterials: 1 Styrofoam ball Alternately, you may obtain a similar sphere, preferably white, such as a table-tennis ball, and attach this sphere to a short piece of string.1 dowel rod, pencil, or other long holder for the ballgraph paperdarkened room, preferably without windows, with one lamp or source of light (the darker the room, the better you will be able to view each “phase”)Important note: To avoid obtaining too many materials, read through the procedure for the entire lab before you begin.Procedure: Print a copy of a blank Earth-Sun-Moon System Data Table for recording your data. Read through the lab procedure and complete predictions 1 and 2 in the space above the data table.Place a bright lamp to one side of a room. Be sure you can darken the room enough to create shadows. You should stand in the middle of the room or in a location where you can hold out your arms and spin unobstructed.Carefully poke a hole into your spherical object. If you cannot obtain a Styrofoam ball, you may need to attach a string around your sphere for viewing. The string should be long enough only to allow you to freely dangle the object from your hand at a distance no greater than about 5 centimeters. Hold the sphere in your left hand. Darken the room and turn your body on its axis counterclockwise, or to your left. Use the image below as a guide.Select to enlargePublic Domain As you change positions, you will notice differences in the shadows on the sphere. For instance, in the following image, you can see that one side of the moon is illuminated and the other side has a subtle shadow. You will be drawing the shading of the moon in the data table provided.Public DomainComplete the data table worksheet based on your experience completing the lab.Predictions: Which numbers on the blank image will have the most shading? Explain your reasoning.Which numbers on the data chart will be the most illuminated by the sun? Explain your reasoning.Data: Use the following data table to record data from the lab. You will need to do the following:Draw an image of the dark and light portions of your moon-on-a-stick in the circle provided.Use the chart below the data table to describe your position relative to the sun.Name the phase of the moon at each positionData Table Position numberDescription of your position relative to the sunName of moon phase1??2??3??4??Etc.????????As you complete the lab, fill in the following diagram by drawing the appropriate shading on each circle representing the moon at various stages of Earth’s orbit around the sun. Reflection Questions: Why did you spin counterclockwise rather than clockwise? Describe exactly when a lunar and solar eclipse would occur within your model. How would you describe the waxing versus the waning portion of the moon’s journey? How could you change your model to indicate a moon that is at apogee and perigee? ................
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