What is the moon?

The question of “What is the moon?”  seems like it should be a straightforward question.   The vast majority of humans are familiar with this celestial body and could recognize a photo of it.  However, the actual classification of this body is actually somewhat complicated.  The scientifically accurate answer is that it is a natural satellite, meaning that it is trapped within the orbit of our planet and was not created by mankind.  While many people may not know the term “natural satellite”, I hope that their education and life experiences would help them know that the moon is not a star and that the moon does not produce its own light.  I could understand someone’s confusion as to whether the moon is a planet or not, especially considering the definition of planet continues to be refined to match our knowledge.

With all that being said, I present to you:  The Cherry Blossom Print Boyfriend Cardigan (Starting at 7:15)

I give this video clip to my students as a quiz question.  They are asked to identify the incorrect statements that are made and to offer their own scientifically correct responses.  Above all else, my hope is that if/when any of my students ever appear on television in the future, they are able to speak in a more knowledgeable manner about basic scientific facts.

A sample response from one of my students that embodies my feelings on this matter:

First, the moon is NOT a planet. I repeat, NOT A PLANET. Also, the lady says, “Isn’t the moon a star?”, and the man replies with, ” No, the moon is a planet,” both of which are incorrect. Another thing that I find amazing (ridiculously, not awesomely), is that when told BY GOOGLE that the moon is a natural satellite, they refuse to believe it, and continue to insist that the moon is a planet or star. The moon IS a natural satellite, which is why these people are so infuriating.

The only redeeming part of this is that a search for [Isaac Mizrahi moon] brings up several pages with articles calling the hosts out for their lack of scientific knowledge.  Will this inspire them to retake some elementary science classes?  We can only hope.