Lunar Phases Scientific Investigation
Before you begin the scientific investigation below, make sure to download the Lunar Phases Scientific Investigation Report. As you complete this scientific investigation, fill in any needed information on the report template. If you need more information about each section of the report, please visit the Developmental Module.
This scientific investigation is available below or in a printable version.
Introduction
Throughout this topic, you have seen images of the Moon as it completes each of its phases. But, what do lunar phases look like in real life? As the Moon completes a succession of lunar phases, the Moon's appearance changes, as does humans' ability to see sections of the Moon, and details on the Moon. By observing the Moon over periods of time, people are able to see these changes.
Objectives
In this scientific investigation, you will:
Hypothesis
Using the Procedure and Data Collection section below, read through the procedural information for this scientific investigation. Based on your understanding of the procedure, develop your own hypotheses which describe your expected results. Specifically, do you think you will always be able to see the Moon? How will the Moon change from day to day? When will the Moon's details be most visible? Record these hypotheses in the Hypothesis section of your Lunar Phases Scientific Investigation Report.
Equipment and Materials
*Please Note: You may also use a computer-based or mobile application to record your lunar illustrations on the Lunar Phases Scientific Investigation Report.
If you are unable to observe the Moon in an outdoor setting, you may use the Dial-A-Moon application on the NASA website. Enter the month and day for each of the dates that you would like to use for your scientific investigation report.
Procedure and Data Collection
Before you begin your Lunar Phases Scientific Investigation, select a location and time to make your lunar observations each evening. You should try to make the observations from the same location and around the same time to maintain consistency in your data reporting.
Data
Use the table provided on your Lunar Phases Scientific Investigation Report to record your data from this scientific investigation. An excerpt of the data table is also shown below:
Day Number | Date | Weather | Moon Sketch | Lunar Phase |
1 | ![]() |
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5 | ![]() |
Data Analysis
In the Data Analysis section of your Lunar Phases Scientific Investigation Report, provide responses to the following questions:
Conclusion
Using the Conclusion section of your Lunar Phases Scientific Investigation Report, compose three to four sentences describing an overall conclusion based on your data. Were your hypotheses true or false, and how do you know? Use the data and notes that you collected from your investigation to form your conclusion. Make sure that you include information that you gained from data analysis to support your conclusion.
Experimental Sources of Error
On your Lunar Phases Scientific Investigation Report, provide responses to the following questions: Are there any sources of error? If so, what are they, and what could be done to minimize error?
Once you have completed the Lunar Phases Scientific Investigation Report, please submit your work to the dropbox.