2019 Moon Phase Project – LOOK for the moon and document data! See below!
6th Grade Science
Moon Phases Project & Rubric (below)
100 points possible
Due Nov. 22, 2019
https://www.timeanddate.com/moon/usa/medford
Students are to produce an engaging informative presentation to explain lunar phase changes. They will have access to Google Slides, however, if they prefer to utilize some other format, they can discuss this with me for approval. Parents/Guardians may assist with technical aspects, only, please. Project research begins Monday, Oct. 28, 2019 ~ Presentations may take a couple of days, but please submit document/slides/ with me via Google Classroom on or before Nov. 22 so they will be ready to present.
Title page: should consist of title, date, group members names, or individual name (if decline to work in group); 6th Grade Science, teacher’s name (this latter part can be smaller font at bottom). Groups of no more than 4 will submit one project to Google Classroom, and then each member of the group will also submit their 3 slide minimum.
Instructions: Students are to begin studying lunar phases in class, and finding evidence of these changes through observation (sketches like Galileo made), photographs, paintings, internet research, news copy, descriptive writings, journal entries. These observations should be explained in writing and in the presentation, for each piece of evidence and connected accurately to the lunar orbit of Earth. Evidence should include: compass/directions, time of day (AM or PM are critical to accuracy), and the geometry of sun/moon/Earth. Additionally, students should include information anecdotal evidence (story) related to sighting of the moon, and how the student experienced seeing it, finding it, predicting its location using the calendar, diagrams, charts, https://stardate.org/astro-guide/lunar-phases, https://stardate.org/nightsky/moon, and other websites listed on my blog see Planet Mini Project.
Science vocabulary include but are not limited to the following:
Waxing Crescent, Waning Crescent, Waxing Gibbous, Waning Gibbous, Full Moon, New Moon, First Quarter, Last Quarter, lunar, Luna, Earth, orbit, rotation, illuminated, etc. For more ideas, see vocabulary in Holt, Science & Technology Text book, chapter 20; section 2.
Additional points for creativity can be earned with additional contributions to the knowledge of the moon through music, poetry, cool facts , etc. created specifically for the project
Four or more references required, and subject to MLA formatting:
Presentations will be Nov. 22 & 25. (The trimester ends on the 27th and grades will be due, therefor late projects will not be accepted.)
| Science Content
(Group grade) |
Resources
(Group) |
Written Portion
(Group) |
Creativity & Evidence
(Group) |
Teamwork & Presentation
(individual grade) |
| Clearly defines reasons for lunar phase changes. Explains how direction, time (AM, PM), and lunar orbit are connected to evidence (photos, news, websites, etc.) Evidence of 8 – 10 phases. Minimum 12 slides.
20 |
Cites 4 or more references using MLA – see below
10 |
Science content is fully explained with proper use of Scientific Vocabulary in context in own words (not plagiarized). Headings help with understanding.
Makes a personal connection/story. Correct spelling, punctuation, & Grammar (spg)
20 |
Interesting, engaging, photos, video, drawings, visually appealing use of technology, color, indiv. art, etc.. Uses music, writes a poem or rap, intro. or prologue that adds to knowledge of moon (Luna).
30 |
Cooper -ates and contrib-
utes daily to success of team. Part of presen- tation team. Creates min. of 3 slides for presentation submit these to Google Classroom.
20 |
| Somewhat defines reasons for lunar phase changes, some gaps in logic, or missing one or more components of time (AM,PM), direction, and lunar orbit with evidence mentioned above. Evidence of 5 – 6 phases. Min. 8 – 10 slides.
15 |
Cites 3 references using MLA – see below
7 |
Science content is partially explained with limited use of Scientific Vocabulary in context in own words (not plagiarized). Headings help with understanding.
Makes a personal connection. & (spg)
10 -15 |
Photos, drawings, color used but may not have been well planned or executed (delivered).
May have other info, but does not flow well. 20 |
Cooper -ates and contrib-
utes some days to success of team. Creates 2 slides for presentation. Declines to present
10 – 15 |
| Lunar phases shown, but little connection made to time, direction, and lunar orbit. Evidence is not original (student) and only 2 – 4 phases. Min. 5 -7 slides.
10 |
Cites 2 references using MLA – see below
5 |
Science content is vague. Limited use of Scientific Vocabulary (not plagiarized). Headings limited.
Lacks a personal connection. Multiple errors in (spelling)
5 |
One of two photos or drawings, limited use of color, or random. Not cohesive.
10 |
Lacks enthusisam, distracts team from success often.
0- 5 |
| Photos and drawings shown, but off topic or random. No connection or evidence to time, direction, or moon orbit. Min 2 – 5 slides.
5 |
Cites references as title or search engine – inc info.
0 -3 |
Science explanation is plagiarized or incoherent.
0 |
Obviously last minute rushed project. Project did not get completed or feels incoherent.
5 |
Team did not solidify and work well. Individual not contributing
0 |
Please photograph moon if you see it. To know when the moon will be visible, check https://www.timeanddate.com/moon/phases/usa/medford
In the meantime, begin noticing location of the moon, sun, and phase. Take a photograph of the moon, mark compass setting for both sun, moon, time of phase and the angle of the sun, Earth, moon.
Tips for photographing moon: have something “next” to the moon, in picture (tree, edge of mountain, building, roof line). Try focusing on areas around moon to get better lighting otherwise the “shape” of the moon will get distorted in the photo. Practice a lot! Ask a grown up to help. (Don’t go outside without letting your parents know!) Be Safe. and don’t stand inthe middle of traffic!!!
Happy moon hunting!
A helpful website for moonrise, set, transit go to
Uncategorized | Temp User | 
October 26, 2018 9:06 pm
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