Virginia SOL 6.3.c
The Standard
the movement of Earth and the moon in relationship to the sun causes phases of the moon
Virginia Standards of Learning for Science
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students use a Sun-Earth-Moon model to explain why the Moon appears to change shape. They connect each phase to the Moon’s orbital position and the amount of its lit half visible from Earth.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students can identify and sequence the eight main phases. Given a diagram, they can name the phase and explain whether the visible lit portion is growing or shrinking.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may think Earth’s shadow causes the phases, rather than only lunar eclipses. They may also think the Moon produces light or that its entire surface becomes dark during a new moon.
How to Assess It
- Give students a Sun-Earth-Moon position diagram and ask, “Name the phase seen from Earth and explain why it looks that way.”
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Place a lamp in the room and have students rotate with a foam Moon, recording the visible lit shape at eight positions.
Ask students to write why Earth’s shadow is not responsible for the Moon’s regular monthly phases.
Give pairs phase cards to arrange in order, then play a matching game with phase names, images, and orbital positions.
Keep a two-week Moon log with nightly sketches, dates, and notes showing whether the lit portion is growing or shrinking.
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Printable 6.3.c Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to 6.3.c, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
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Related Standards
- 6.3.e
the relationship between Earth and the moon is the primary cause of tides.
- 4.6.a
the motions of Earth, the moon, and the sun;
- 4.6.c
the causes for the four major phases of the moon and the relationship to the tide cycles; and
- 6.3.b
the rotation of Earth in relationship to the sun causes day and night;
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