Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 5

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Describe the Moon's appearance and how it changes (lunar phases).
• Explain that the Moon orbits the Earth.
• Describe the different phases of the moon.
• Explain why seasons occur, linking them to Earth's tilt.
• Identify the four seasons and relate them to South Africa.

Lesson summary

Welcome, Grade 5 scientists! This week, we're embarking on an exciting journey to explore our celestial neighbour, the Moon, and delve into the fascinating reasons behind the seasons we experience here in South Africa. Understanding these concepts is crucial because it helps us appreciate the natural rhythms that govern our lives. The Moon affects our tides, which impact coastal communities and fishing industries. The seasons dictate when we plant crops, influencing food security and our agricultural economy. Understanding these phenomena allows us to better predict weather patterns and plan for the future.

Lesson notes

The Moon: The Moon is Earth's only natural satellite. A satellite is an object that orbits another object. The Moon is much smaller than Earth – about ¼ the size. The Moon does not produce its own light. What we see as the Moon's light is actually sunlight reflected off its surface.

The Moon's Orbit: The Moon orbits, or travels around, the Earth. It takes approximately 27.3 days for the Moon to complete one orbit. This is called a sidereal month. Because the Earth is also moving around the Sun, it takes a little longer (about 29.5 days) for the Moon to go through all its phases, from new moon back to new moon. This is called a synodic month or lunar month. Imagine you are standing in the centre of a roundabout (like you might find in Pretoria or Cape Town), and your friend is walking around the outside of the roundabout. That's similar to how the Moon orbits the Earth. The Earth is in the center, and the Moon travels in a circular path around it.

Lunar Phases: As the Moon orbits the Earth, we see different amounts of its sunlit surface. These different views are called lunar phases. The lunar phases follow a predictable sequence: New Moon: The Moon is between the Earth and the Sun. The side of the Moon facing us is not lit by the Sun, so we cannot see the Moon.

Waxing Crescent: A small sliver of the Moon becomes visible, growing larger each night. "Waxing" means growing.

First Quarter: Half of the Moon is lit. It looks like a half-circle.

Waxing Gibbous: More than half of the Moon is lit, and the lit portion continues to grow. "Gibbous" means more than half but not full.

Full Moon: The entire face of the Moon is lit by the Sun.

Waning Gibbous: After the full moon, the lit portion starts to decrease. "Waning" means shrinking.

Third Quarter: Half of the Moon is lit, but it's the opposite half from the first quarter.

Waning Crescent: A small sliver of the Moon is visible again, shrinking each night until it disappears at the next new moon. Imagine holding a ball (representing the Moon) and walking around a lamp (representing the Sun). As you walk, the amount of the ball that's lit up changes. This is similar to how the Moon phases change.

Seasons: The Earth experiences seasons because its axis (an imaginary line running through the North and South Poles) is tilted at an angle of 23.5 degrees. As the Earth orbits the Sun, different parts of the Earth are tilted towards the Sun at different times of the year. When the Northern Hemisphere (where Europe and North America are) is tilted towards the Sun, it experiences summer. At the same time, the Southern Hemisphere (where South Africa is) is tilted away from the Sun and experiences winter. Six months later, the Earth is on the opposite side of the Sun. The Southern Hemisphere is now tilted towards the Sun, experiencing summer, while the Northern Hemisphere experiences winter. Summer (December-February in South Africa): The Southern Hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun, receiving more direct sunlight and longer days. It's hot!

Autumn/Fall (March-May in South Africa): The Earth moves to a point where neither hemisphere is tilted particularly towards the sun, leading to more moderate temperatures. The leaves on some trees change colour and fall.

Winter (June-August in South Africa): The Southern Hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun, receiving less direct sunlight and shorter days. It's cold! Spring (September-November in South Africa): The Earth moves back to a point where neither hemisphere is tilted particularly towards the sun, leading to more moderate temperatures. Plants start to grow and flowers bloom. Think about a globe and a torch. If you tilt the globe towards the torch, that part of the globe gets more light and warmth (summer). If you tilt it away, it gets less light and warmth (winter). That's how the Earth's tilt creates the seasons. Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Question 1: What phase of the moon occurs when the entire face of the Moon is lit?

Solution: The phase of the moon when the entire face is lit is called the Full Moon.

Commentary: This question tests your understanding of the different phases. Remembering the meaning of "full" (complete) can help.

Question 2: Does the Moon produce its own light? If not, where does the light we see coming from the Moon come from?

Solution: No, the Moon does not produce its own light. The light we see from the Moon is sunlight reflected off its surface.

Commentary: This checks your understanding of why the Moon is visible. It's important to remember the Moon is not a star.

Question 3: If it is summer in Europe, what season is it in South Africa, and why?

Solution: If it is summer in Europe, it is winter in South Africa. This is because the Earth is tilted in such a way that the Northern Hemisphere (where Europe is) is tilted towards the Sun, while the Southern Hemisphere (where South Africa is) is tilted away from the Sun.