When students manipulate a model to demonstrate the phases of the Moon, what cognitive process are they using?

The correct answer focuses on finding relationships among objects, which is essential for understanding the Moon's phases. When students manipulate a model to represent this celestial phenomenon, they are actively engaging in hands-on learning that allows them to visualize how the positions of the Earth, Moon, and Sun interact to create various phases. This manipulation highlights the spatial and causal relationships involved in the lunar cycle.

By observing how the movement of the Moon relative to the Earth and Sun changes what part of the Moon is illuminated, students are able to make connections between the model and the actual astronomical events. This cognitive process enhances their understanding of the underlying principles governing the cycles of the Moon and promotes critical thinking as they interpret the model's behavior in relation to real-world observations.