In this unit students will learn about what causes the moon’s phases, something about the formation of craters on the moon, and learn to describe through drawings the surface of the moon. Students will draw moon craters and thus learn to observe through telescopes and photographs more carefully.
Motivation: A good way to introduce the unit is to discuss the popular conspiracy theory about the moon landings being faked.
Topics include Observing Phases of the Moon, Simulating Moon Phases and Eclipses, Moonrise and Moonset, Major Lunar Surface Features, Tides, Analysis of Lunar Images, Cratering lab, Height of lunar Mountains.