Sun, Earth, and Moon

1.  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 to solidify my understanding of the relationship between the Sun, Moon, and Earth. 
2. What is the relationship between the Sun, Earth, and Moon?
3. Discussion on Thursday solidified my understanding of the relationship between the Sun, Earth, and Moon. It was helpful to revisit and model how the Earth orbits the Sun, and the Moon orbits the Earth. I learned that it takes Earth 24 hours to make a full rotation, about 28 days for the Moon to orbit the Earth, and 365 days for the Earth to orbit the Sun. I was also able to visualize how shadows, changes in seasons, day and night, phases of the moon, and eclipses occur as explained above. I found it interesting to learn that on July 5, we are 94,500,000 miles away from the Sun, and on January 4, we are 91,400,000 miles away from the Sun. This challenged a common belief that I held that seasons are determined by how close Earth is to the Sun, when they are determined by the tilt of the Earth. I found this learning important as I must challenge and solidify my science understanding to be able to teach my future students. 
4. In Chapter 1, I learned about heliocentrism, geocentrism, equinoxes, solstices, and eclipses. I found it interesting how Galileo was punished for discovering heliocentrism and challenging the Catholic belief in geocentrism, that the Earth is at the center of the solar system. I think this is important to address and understand that some of our students could potentially have this belief, as they do not move during the day, and instead, they see the sun move around us. I also found the videos and pictures within this chapter helpful to further strengthen my understanding of Earth's orbit around the Sun and the Moon's orbit around the Earth. This helped me visualize seasons, eclipses, and moon phases. However, I would like more information on equinoxes, winter solstice, and summer solstice. This is something I am struggling to visualize and understand, so I plan to do more research. Overall, I found this chapter very helpful for my learning and ability to teach my future students. 
5. I have no questions, comments, or concerns at this time.