Phases of moon

Students learn about the phases of the moon, develop an understanding of the relative positions of the Sun, Moon and Earth, discuss when the Moon can be seen and keep a journal of the Moon’s position and appearance.

Objective:

• Observing the moon
• Learn about the phases of the moon.

Materials required:

Cardboard Box, black colour Paper, small plastic ball (about 1.5” in diameter) , Stiff wire, small torch, tape, scissors, knife, and dark blue paint if available.

Reference links:

https://www.instructables.com/Moon-Phase-Box-Model/,

https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/edu/teach/activity/moon-phases/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3XrMw6iM0g

Process:

Moon observation activity

1. Ask students when they can see the Moon, what shape it is and where in the sky it is located.

2. Provide students with multiple copies of the Moon observation sheet and explain how to complete it.

3. Inform students that they will be observing the Moon once a day for as many days as they can over the next month.

• Where did you see the Moon at various times of the month?
• How did the Moon's appearance change over the month?
• Where does the full moon first appear in the sky?

4. Students should complete as many days of Moon observations as they can or should during the month, with adequate detail and notes.

Phases of moon

Moon boxes provide one way to model the phenomena of moon phases.