Let's begin with Earth's Moon. You learned about Earth's Moon in Grade 4. So what do we already know about Earth's Moon?
Activity: Let's revise what we learned in Gr 4 about the moon.
QUESTIONS:
- Does the Moon make its own light? Explain how the Moon gives us light at night.
The Moon does not have energy like the stars to make its own light; the Moon is like a white wall that reflects light from the Sun and the Earth gets some of that light.
- Can we see the Moon during the day?
Yes, on some days. But if they are unsure, don't give them the answer. Let the learners debate this or vote on it, and then agree to go and observe. They might have to look every day, up to two weeks, before they see it.
- Does the full Moon look bigger when it rises at supper-time, and then smaller when it is high in the sky?
If they disagree on this, tell them that they can do an investigation - see below
- Why does the Moon sometimes look like a letter D or a letter C?
We see only the part that the Sun is shining on. They learned this in Grade 4 workbook.
- Can you see the stars when the Moon is full?
Yes, but not as clearly.
- Why do we sometimes see the new Moon looking like this, in the photo. The Sun is almost behind the Moon, so where is the light coming from ?
The light on the Moon is coming from the Earth; the Earth is reflecting the Sun's light.
END
