Patterns in seasons
Identify the repeating order of the seasons. Use tables and graphs to compare temperatures and hours of daylight across the year in the same location.
Our current science unit
Seasons and the Moon
How can patterns help us predict what comes next? We will compare temperature and daylight data, track the Moon’s changing appearance, and use evidence to support our ideas.
Patterns in the Moon
Record and compare the Moon’s appearance over time. Put its phases in order and use the repeating sequence to predict what comes next.
Words to wonder with
Our unit vocabulary
Select a word to open its definition. Try explaining it in your own words, then use it in a complete science sentence.
Rotation
The spinning of an object on its axis.
Revolution
One complete trip of an object around another object in space.
Orbit
The path an object follows as it travels around another object in space.
Seasons
Spring, summer, fall, and winter. Earth’s tilt as it travels around the Sun causes seasonal changes in daylight and temperature.
Axis
An imaginary line through an object around which it spins.
Lunar cycle
The repeating sequence of Moon phases, lasting about 29½ days from one new moon to the next.
Atmosphere
The layer of gases surrounding Earth or another object in space.
Sun
The star closest to Earth. It provides our planet with light and heat and is at the center of our solar system.
Model
A picture, idea, or object used to represent and explain an object or process.
Look up. Notice a pattern.
The eight Moon phases
The Moon reflects sunlight. As it travels around Earth, we see different amounts of its sunlit half. Follow the phases in order from 1 to 8, then back to new moon.
- 01New moon
The sunlit half faces away from Earth, so the Moon is usually not visible.
- 02Waxing crescent
A thin curved part looks sunlit. The visible sunlit part is growing.
- 03First quarter
Half of the disk looks sunlit. The visible sunlit part is growing.
- 04Waxing gibbous
More than half looks sunlit. The visible sunlit part is growing.
- 05Full moon
The whole Moon’s disk looks sunlit from Earth.
- 06Waning gibbous
More than half looks sunlit. The visible sunlit part is shrinking.
- 07Third quarter
Also called last quarter. Half looks sunlit, and the visible sunlit part is shrinking.
- 08Waning crescent
A thin curved part looks sunlit. The visible sunlit part is shrinking.
Waxing means the visible sunlit part appears to grow. Waning means it appears to shrink. One complete cycle takes about 29½ days. The Moon stays round; its phases are not caused by Earth’s shadow.
Illustrations show a typical Northern Hemisphere view; the Moon’s orientation can vary. Explore Moon phases with NASA opens in a new tab↗
A little science talk at home
Ask: “What pattern do you notice? What evidence helps you predict what comes next?”
Try: “After first quarter, I predict _____ because _____.”
If the Moon is visible, notice its appearance together. It can sometimes be seen during the day. Outdoor observation is optional.