Space Science Projects

The following sample space science projects experiment is meant to give you ideas on how to perform experiments and arrange your project. After completing this space project, try coming up with additional ideas and procedures for expanding this experiment.

Space Science Projects: Lunar Phases and Moon Altitude

This project studies the relationship between lunar phases and moon altitude.

Background:

Research information on the moon. What effect does the moon have on earth? What are the phases of the moon? When does each phase occur? When and why does the moon's altitude change?

Hypothesis:

Formulate your hypothesis on the relationship between lunar phases and the moon's altitude. Which lunar phase (new, first quarter, full, third quarter, waning crescent, waning gibbous, waxing crescent, waxing gibbous) will have the highest/lowest altitude?

Materials: (Adult supervision of kids is always recommended.)

• Suggested kit:
  
  

           

            Science Kit: Astrolabe

• Lunar phase calendar
  
  
• Paper
  
  
• Pencil
  
  

Procedure:

1. Gather the materials needed for your space science project experiment.

2. Follow instructions for setting up and using your astrolabe.

3. Observe the moon on a clear night.

4. Note the phase of the moon and the date and time of year (winter, spring, summer or fall).

5. Use your astrolabe to find the altitude of the moon. Record this number in your data table under Trial 1.

6. Repeat steps 3-5 for the same lunar phase for two more nights. Record the altitudes in your data table under Trials 2-3.

7. Repeat steps 3-6 for the 7 other lunar phases. Record the altitudes in your data table under Trials 1-3.

8. Average the altitudes for one lunar phase from your 3 trials. Record this as final altitude.

9. Repeat step 8 for the 7 other lunar phases. Record the final altitudes in your data table.

10. To further expand this project, repeat the experiment for the remaining seasons.

Record Observations

Lunar Phase	Moon's Altitude
	Trial 1	Trial 2	Trial 3	Final
New
First Quarter
Waning Crescent
Waning Gibbous
Full
Waxing Crescent
Waxing Gibbous
Third Quarter

Results:

Record your data and compare your results. Which lunar phase had the highest altitude? Which lunar phase had the lowest altitude? Why do you think so? Did the moon's altitude change for the same phase during different seasons? Explain. Graph and chart your data.

Conclusion:

Summarize what happened in your space science project based on your results. Explain the results of your experiment. Was your hypothesis supported? If not, explain why. Evaluate your experiment and suggest improvements.

More Science Projects for Kids Samples:

Earth Science Projects

Easy Science Fair Projects

Science Projects for Kids

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