Changes in the Shape of the Moon

Fourth-grade students were asked to explain why the shape of the moon changes during the course of a month. Some of the student's explanations are shown below. Which student's explanation correctly explains why the shape of the moon changes?

• The moon grows and shrinks throughout the month, causing it to look big sometimes and smaller other times.

• The shape of the moon does not actually change. The amount of the moon that is in light depends on the position of the Earth, moon, and sun.

• The position of the Earth blocks the light produced by the moon. This causes a shadow on the moon, making the shape of the moon change as the Earth spins.

• When light from the sun hits the moon, it begins to melt, causing the moon to look smaller and smaller. When there is no sunlight hitting the moon, it begins to freeze again and get bigger.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Which of these pictures best shows what the moon will look like on June 22?

• A.

• B.

• C.

• D.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

• A

• B

• C

• D

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Kayla decided to keep a moon journal for the month of February by drawing the moon as she observed it from her house. On the left is what Kayla's journal looks like after her first observation. What will the moon's shape look like when she makes an observation in two weeks?

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

How long does it take for the Moon to complete all of its phases?

• About one month

• About one season

• About one week

• About one day

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Name the moon phase

• First Quarter

• Full Moon

• New Moon

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