Visible Fraction of the Moon’s Nearside Over 64 Days

Visible Fraction of the Moon’s Nearside Over 64 Days
graph from Kids Britannica; slow reveal by Jenna Laib

Type of Graph: Line Graph

Purpose

This slow reveal is designed to support analysis and discussion of both the data and the design choices, and to make connections to science content. The questions in the slide deck invite learners to examine trends, relationships, and possible interpretations. This graph invites students to consider fractional percentages, nonlinear relationships, estimating values, and modeling the data mathematically. It connects to science standards about the phases of the moon, as well.

About This Graph

This visualization is not provided for reuse or redistribution. Readers and educators are encouraged to view the original visualization in its published context.

Original Visualization:
Encyclopedia Britannica. “Visible Fraction of the Moon’s Nearside Over 64 Days.” Kids Britannica. Accessed at: https://kids.britannica.com/students/assembly/view/217858

Data Sources:
U.S. Naval Observatory. “Phases of the Moon and Percent of the Moon Illuminated.” Astronomical Applications Department. Accessed at: https://aa.usno.navy.mil/faq/moon_phases

In The Classroom

There are many different mathematical connections that can be made to this data and data visualization.

Potential Math Content: line graph, estimating values, intersections, fractions, percentages, modeling with equations, noticing patterns, nonlinear relationships

Potential Content Connections: astronomy, science, earth science, moon, moon phases,