Sun and Moon Data

Sun and Moon Data - Large Wall Graph

by E.S. Belasic

(This lesson is a work in progress)

Objectives:

to collect daily sun/moon rise/set data
to graph our data on a large wall graph
to mathematically prove that day length increases after the Winter Solstice.
to prove that night and day are the same length for the Vernal Equinox
to prove that daylight increases until the Summer Solstice
to show the relationship between moon rise and set to the current phase of the moon

Procedure:

Using a large roll of graph paper, cut off a piece long enough to hold all your data points, then hang in the hallway.
The x-axis represents the days of the month, starting with Dec 21 until June 22
The y-axis represents the time of day, I would place 4 am at the top of my y-axis and 3 am at the bottom near the x-axis.
The graph will have 4 lines: sun rise (orange), sun set (red), moon rise (purple), moon set (black).
Record data daily on data table. Above each data point, write the exact time for clarity.
Plot images of the moon on your graph as well. Show when there is a new moon, first quarter, full, third quarter.
Analyze data.

Analysis:

Look at the lines that represent sun rise and sun set. Is there a trend or pattern that you notice? Explain.

Is day length increasing or decreasing? How can you tell?

Is the moon only visible at night? Using our data, prove your answer.

What is the relationship between a New Moon and its rise and set times? Full Moon?