MS-ESS1.A-1b

Sherlock Moles Investigates: Lunar Phases

Experience Awakening - Our open-world educational game

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Game Info for Teachers

COMBINED RATING

3.9 Stars

TEACHERS (12)

4.3

STUDENTS (2890)

3.5

LENGTH

15 Minutes

GRADES

CAPABILITIES

Spanish Language Support

Text-to-Speech Support

Saves Progress

Description

Sherlock Moles becomes fascinated by the moon and its phases. In seeking to understand more, Moles decides to build planetary models. Help Moles locate model pieces by completing mini-games, all while learning about the lunar phases.

Vocabulary Words

lunar cycle

moon

new moon

waning

waxing

crescent

quarter

gibbous

full moon

rotation

telescope

model

revolve

Instructions

Play through this interactive game to learn about Lunar Phases. Suitable for Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8.

Main Concepts

The light that appears to originate from the Moon is actually sunlight reflecting from the Moon's surface.

The phases of the Moon can be predicted based on the observed pattern of the lunar cycle.

The lunar cycle is 29.5 days long.

Models can be used to describe and predict the patterns of apparent motion of objects in the night sky.

There is a far side of the Moon that never faces Earth.

The phases of the Moon are the result of the Moon's rotation around Earth relative to the Sun.

Discussion Questions

Before the Game

What does the term "lunar" refer to? What do you notice about the moon as you observe it at different times in the night sky? Why do you think the moon looks different throughout a month?

After the Game

What is the difference between waning and waxing? What causes the phases of the moon? What instruments can be used to get a closer view of the moon? Why does the moon appear to be lit? How did using models help to observe the moon cycle?