Sixth graders explore the Earth-Sun-Moon system — why the Moon appears to change shape through its phases, and why Earth’s tilt gives us seasons — the cosmic dance that shapes our sky and calendar.
Students will be able to…
The Moon changes shape night by night, and the seasons cycle year by year. Neither the Moon nor the Sun is actually changing — so what causes these patterns?
Project this and move through the lunar cycle. Watch the Moon change from new to full and back — all because of the sunlight we see!
Tap any phase to open the teacher moves and student actions.
The Moon changes shape and the seasons cycle — but nothing is really changing. Why?
Students investigate.
Students explain.
Students elaborate.
Students conclude.
Aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards (Middle School Earth & Space Science).
Develop and use a model of the Earth-Sun-Moon system to explain lunar phases, eclipses, and seasons.
Develop a model to describe gravity in the solar system.
Analyze data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.
Developing and using models.
Preview the three formative checks. Tap “Sample answer” to see what mastery looks like — hide them before you print for students.
Have students use the Earth-Sun-Moon model to explain how a solar eclipse and a lunar eclipse happen, and why they’re rare. A printable Earth-Sun-Moon sheet is in the Science library.
Tap a card to flip it, then rate whether you knew it. Built from this lesson’s vocabulary.
A quick self-check with instant feedback, drawn from this lesson’s key terms.
A print-and-go review sheet with a built-in answer key. Tap “Show answer key” to reveal answers, or print the clean version for students.