Sun, Earth, and Moon
In lab today, we explored the relationship between the Sun, Earth, and Moon. However, we began by going over the course syllabus, schedule, and expectations. Once completed, we collaborated at our tables using an Earth and Moon model, while a Sun model was placed at the front of the classroom, and a light was used to represent the path of orbit. We discussed shadows to determine that in the Northern Hemisphere, your shadow points to the north, while in the Southern Hemisphere, your shadow points to the south. We then modeled the cause of seasons by observing how different locations on Earth tilt towards the Sun during orbit. We also modeled day and night by rotating the Earth and observing when each side is facing the Sun. Lastly, we modeled the phases of the Moon by orbiting the Moon around the Earth and noting which parts of the Moon's surface were lit by the Sun as it orbited. This helped us to discover that during a solar eclipse, the Moon blocks the Sun. This lab was helpful ...