Full Moon and lunar eclipses

Full Moon and lunar eclipses

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This task is about reading diagrams and graphs about the Moon.

Question

sun rays earth and moon
a)  How often is there a full Moon?

    • On 1 or 2 nights each year.

    • On 1 or 2 nights each month. 

    • Whenever the night sky is clear.

    • Once or twice in the Spring and Autumn only.

    • Whenever the Moon is turned towards the Earth.

Question

 
b)  The diagram shows an eclipse of the Moon.
     To a person standing on the Earth at point X, the Moon would look

    • dark, because it is in the Earth's shadow.

    • dark and light, because half the Moon is still in sunshine.

    • bright, because the Sun is shining on it while half the Earth is in shadow.

    • bright, because there would still be moonlight while half the Earth is in darkness.

Task administration: 
This task can be completed with pencil and paper or online.
Level:
4
Curriculum info: 
Science, Knowledge, Planet Earth
Keywords: 
astronomical systems, Moon, eclipses
Description of task: 
Students answer two multiple-choice questions about full Moon and lunar eclipses.
Curriculum Links: 
Science capabilities
The capabilities focus is brought about by the conversations you have and the questions you ask.
 
Capability: Interpret representations
This resource provides opportunities to discuss the evidence provided in a diagram that can be used to make inferences.
 
Science capabilities: 
Interpret representations
Answers/responses: 
 

Y7 (07/1997)

Y8 (07/1997)
a) B - On 1 or 2 nights each month. moderate easy
b) A - dark, because it is in the Earth's shadow. difficult moderate
Diagnostic and formative information: 
 

Common error

a)

Option E (Whenever the Moon is turned towards the Earth) chosen by 30% of Y8 students.