Claim: The shape of the Moon appears to change throughout the month due to its position relative to the Earth and the Sun, causing different portions of its surface to be illuminated.
Evidence: In an observation using a simulator activity, I noted that during the new moon phase, the Moon is positioned directly between the Earth and the Sun, resulting in the side of the Moon facing Earth being completely dark. As the Moon moves in its orbit, the first quarter phase occurs when the Moon has traveled a quarter of the way around Earth and half of its surface is illuminated, appearing as a half moon. By the time it reaches the full moon phase, the Moon is on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun, allowing the entire face of the Moon to be visible and fully illuminated.
Reasoning: This evidence supports my claim because it illustrates how the phases of the Moon are a result of its changing position in relation to the Earth and the Sun. When the Moon is between the Earth and the Sun, we see a new moon, as the illuminated side is turned away from us. Conversely, when the Moon is on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun, we see a full moon, as the fully lit side is facing us. The intermediate phases occur as the Moon orbits the Earth, with varying portions of the lunar surface becoming illuminated by sunlight depending on the Moon's position. These positions create a predictable pattern of illumination that leads to the observable phases of the Moon throughout the month.