Moon Journal

Context: This moon journal was created for science education GS 4401 under the advisement of Jeff Goodman during Block II in the fall of 2007.

Impact: This project could be used in a classroom as an introduction to a unit on astronomy, specifically the relationships between the moon, sun, and earth. Students could create their own moon journals, recorded over a two to four week period. This would give them real-life "hands-on" experience with the moon. Their observations could spark discussion in talking about the various phases of the moon and what causes them.

Alignment: Standard 2 Indicator 2: This indicator was met because the celestial bodies of the moon, earth, and sun are spherical geometric figures. The geometric concepts of relative position and relationships are relevant to learning about the earth, moon, and sun in space because the positioning of these bodies are not absolute, but rather relative to one another. When learning about the rotation of the moon in relation to the earth as well as the rotation and tilt of the earth in relation to the sun and its subsequent effects on time, seasons, and weather, the geometric concepts of time and angle are used.

Standard 3 Indicator 3: This indicator was met because the moon journal demonstrates an understanding of the various phases of the moon through real-life observation of the moon's cycle.

Standard 12: This standard was met because the keeping of a moon journal requires a person to observe, illustrate, and reflect on the moon's phases.