Lunar Model Worksheet
Task 3 Earth, Moon & Sun Space Systems
Orbital Modeling Lab
Moon Phase System Model
Revising and expanding spatial relationships in the Earth-Sun-Moon orbit
Name:
Date:
Period:
Modeling Instructions & Protocol
1
Desk Setup: Place the Sun card on the left side of your desk. Place Earth in the center with its day/night halves correctly aligned.
2
Arrange Moon Cards: Position all 8 Moon phase cards in circular orbit around Earth, matching how sunlight illuminates each position.
3
Record: Once verified on your desk, transfer your physical model into the diagram space below with full labels.
Solar Challenge: Want to test your spatial reasoning? Position the Sun at the TOP or BOTTOM of your workspace and orient Earth and the Moon phases accordingly!
Optional Extension
Diagram Your Physical Model
Include: Sun rays, Earth day/night shading, 8 Moon positions, and orbital arrows
Default Sun Location (Left)
Top Challenge Zone
Counterclockwise Orbit (↺)
Earth
Indicate illuminated vs. shaded half for each body
Bottom Challenge Zone
Model Verification Checklist (Check each item before proceeding to Part 2):
Sun location & incoming rays clearly labeled
Earth day & night halves oriented to Sun
All 8 Moon phase cards in proper orbit
Arrows show direction of Moon revolution
Task 3 • Part 2 Model Explanation & Orbital Timing
Page 2 of 2
Analyzing the Earth-Sun-Moon System
1. Model Explanation & Geometry
Use evidence from your desk setup
Explain how your model works. How does the position of the Sun create daytime and nighttime on Earth, and why do observers on Earth see different phases of the Moon as it orbits?
2. Lunar Cycle Timing Analysis
Reference: 1 Full Cycle ≈ 29.5 Days
Based on your physical model and lunar cycle periods, calculate the time elapsed for each phase shift and explain why that duration occurs:
A Full Moon → Next Full Moon
Estimated Time:
Explain why it takes this amount of time using the concept of one complete orbital revolution:
B New Moon → Full Moon
Estimated Time:
Explain how much of the Moon's total orbit around Earth is completed during this interval:
C Full Moon → Third (Last) Quarter Moon
Estimated Time:
Explain the fraction of the lunar orbit completed and how the illuminated view changes:
3. Orientation & Challenge Reflection
If you shifted the Sun to the top or bottom of your desk, how did you adjust the illuminated halves of Earth and the Moon cards? What scientific rule never changes regardless of your vantage point?
