Exploring Moon Phases: Why does the shape of the Moon appear to change throughout the month? Write in CER Format

Question

Claim: Make a statement answering the question.

Evidence: Use specific observations from the simulator activity or your data table to support your claim.

Reasoning: Explain why your evidence supports your claim by describing the relationship between the positions of the Earth, Moon, and Sun

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Answer 1

Claim: The shape of the Moon appears to change throughout the month due to its position relative to the Earth and the Sun, which affects how much sunlight we see reflected on its surface.

Evidence: In the simulator activity, I observed that during the New Moon phase, the Moon was positioned between the Earth and the Sun, making it nearly invisible from our perspective. As the Moon moved in its orbit, I saw it become a Crescent Moon, then a First Quarter, followed by a Waxing Gibbous, and finally a Full Moon. These phases showed how the illuminated part of the Moon changes as seen from Earth. For example, during the Full Moon, I could see the entire face of the Moon illuminated, while during the Third Quarter, only half of the Moon was visible.

Reasoning: This evidence shows that the changing shape of the Moon is directly related to its changing position in relation to the Earth and the Sun. When the Moon is between the Earth and the Sun (New Moon), the side of the Moon that is illuminated by the Sun is facing away from us, so we can't see it. As it orbits, more of the illuminated side becomes visible. By the time it reaches the Full Moon, the Earth is positioned between the Sun and the Moon, allowing us to see all of the lighted surface. This cycle repeats every month, creating the phases we observe.