INDUCTIVE TEACHING METHOD

Science 3
Unit 6: The Earth and the Moon
6.3. The phases of the Moon

*Experiment:
Sofia is modeling the phases of the Moon. She uses a light and a ball. As she
spins around, the ball forms a circle around her head. One side of the ball is always
illuminated. Sofia can see different light and dark sides on the ball. In the photo
below, she observes the first crescent Moon of the month.

1. Scientifically oriented questions

Why does Sofia see the Moon in many different shapes?

Purpose Solution
Observe the different shapes of the The teacher lets students discuss
Moon to see how the Moon's shape ideas, notes with students about the
appears to change based on the Moon's movement in orbit,
viewing angle. emphasizing that we often see the Sun
only illuminating the front half of the
Moon.

2. Find the evidence needed to answer the question

To answer the question "Why does Sofia see the Moon in many different
shapes?" In the context of Sofia's experiment, we can use the evidence and
knowledge of astromechanics. The evidence needed to answer this question is:
- The light is the Sun, Sofia is the Earth, and the ball is the Moon
- Sofia sees images of the Moon as it reflects light from the Sun.
- The visible shape of the Moon is the portion of the Moon's surface as seen
from Earth.
- Each time, the part of the Moon's surface facing the Earth that is illuminated
by the Sun has a different area, so we see the Moon's shape is different.
- The visible shapes of the Moon are: Full Moon, Crescent Moon, Half Moon,
Crescent Moon, No Moon

3. Generate explanations from the evidence gathered

- First, the image of the light and dark sides of the ball is based on the light
shining on it
+ The light shines on Sofia, the ball will be the object rotating around
Sofia and located between Sofia and the light bulb.
+ We will notice that the side of the ball facing Sofia (or Earth) has a
shadow across it, also known as the New Moon (Crescent Moon at the
beginning of the month).
+ When the ball moves behind Sofia so that the light is on the side
facing Sofia, we will see that the side of the ball facing Sofia is
illuminated. If we look at the Moon from Earth in this position, we
will see the Moon completely illuminated. This position is called the
Full Moon.
 + Continuing to rotate the ball around Sofia, if we look from Sofia
towards the ball, we can see that half is illuminated and the other half
is in darkness. In this position, the image we see is called the first half
moon of the month.
+ When the ball moves to the other side of Sofia, in this position we will
call this the Last Quarter Moon.
+ Finally, when the ball rotates to a position on the same side as the
light, its dark side turns towards Sofia so here, we will not see the
Moon. It was a moonless day.
=> The different images that Sofia sees are due to the change in position of the ball
relative to the light

4. Compare and connect explanations with scientific knowledge

- Interaction between the Moon, Sun and Earth: The Moon does not illuminate
itself but only reflects light from the Sun. The change in position and angle
between the Moon, Sun and Earth leads to changes in the light shining on
the Moon's surface.
- Phase of the Moon: The phenomenon of "moon phase" is the result of the
change in relative position between the Moon, Sun and Earth. As the Moon
orbits the Earth, we observe the different phases of the Moon, including
crescent, full moon, terminal crescent, and zero.
- Light and shadow: In Sofia's experiment, the use of a lamp and ball created a
turning line. The light from the lamp shines on the ball similar to sunlight
shining on the Moon. As the ball rotates, its side is illuminated and creates
different light and dark sides, similar to the phases of the Moon.
- Sofia's Observation: Sofia observed the Moon having a crescent shape at the
beginning of the month during her experiment. This observation is consistent
with astronomical phenomena actually observed on the Moon.
=> The change in position and angle between the Moon, Sun and Earth leads to
changes in the light shining on the Moon, creating different phases. Sofia's
experiment simulates this interaction using a light and a ball, and observing the
light and dark sides on the ball reflects the phases of the Moon in real life.
 5. Publish results, share and evaluate explanations
Ask guiding questions and design experiments to test the orbits of the Moon,
Sun, and Earth during solar and lunar eclipses.
Perform the experiment and report the results after 1 week
It can be seen that, with the application of exploration and discovery in
teaching, students can not only deeply understand the knowledge of the lesson, but
also participate in the research process and learn to think like a scientist: analyzes
the relevance of the guiding question, searches, collects the necessary data and
evidence, constructs explanations, makes connections between their explanations
and scientific knowledge learn. Students also have the opportunity to discuss and
debate, know how to argue to defend their opinions as well as know how to listen
and learn from friends. These are the skills that education needs to equip learners
to have a successful life in the 21st century.