Exploring the Moon: A 2nd Grade Adventure!

Science Grades 2nd Grade 9:52 Video
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Lesson Description

Join us on a fun journey to discover what the Moon is, what it's made of, how it moves, and why it looks different sometimes! This lesson uses the Homeschool Pop video 'The Moon for Kids' to teach all about our closest neighbor in space.

Video Resource

The Moon for Kids

Homeschool Pop

Duration: 9:52
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • The Moon is a natural satellite that orbits the Earth.
  • The Moon is made of rock and dust.
  • The Moon appears to change shape (phases) as it orbits the Earth.
  • The moon does not produce it's own light.

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to define what a natural satellite is.
  • Students will be able to describe the composition of the Moon.
  • Students will be able to identify and describe the phases of the Moon.
  • Students will be able to explain that the Moon reflects sunlight.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students what they already know about the Moon. Show the 'The Moon for Kids' video from Homeschool Pop (0:00-1:06). Briefly discuss what the video will cover.
  • Moon's Orbit (5 mins)
    Watch the section of the video explaining how the Moon moves around the Earth and why it is a natural satellite (1:06-2:17). Discuss the concept of orbit and satellite. Ask students to demonstrate the Moon orbiting the Earth.
  • What the Moon is Made Of (5 mins)
    Watch the section of the video explaining what the Moon is made of (2:17-3:09). Discuss the materials that make up the moon. Compare and contrast the materials on Earth.
  • Moon's Color and Phases (7 mins)
    Watch the section explaining the moon's color and phases (5:26-7:24). Discuss why the moon looks different. Explain that the moon reflects light from the sun.
  • Review (3 mins)
    Watch the review from the video (3:58-5:26).

Interactive Exercises

  • Moon Phases Demonstration
    Use a ball (Moon) and a lamp (Sun) to demonstrate the phases of the Moon. Have students act as the Earth and observe the changing phases as the 'Moon' orbits.
  • Moon Rock Creation
    Provide students with grey playdough. Have them create their own 'moon rock' and describe its properties (color, texture).

Discussion Questions

  • What is your favorite thing about the Moon?
  • Why do you think the Moon is important?
  • If you could visit the Moon, what would you do?

Skills Developed

  • Observation
  • Critical Thinking
  • Vocabulary Building
  • Understanding Spatial Relationships

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

What is the Moon?

Correct Answer: A natural satellite

Question 2:

What is the Moon mostly made of?

Correct Answer: Rock and dust

Question 3:

What does the Moon do around the Earth?

Correct Answer: Orbit

Question 4:

Why does the Moon look like it changes shape?

Correct Answer: Because of shadows

Question 5:

What color is the moon?

Correct Answer: Gray

Question 6:

What does the moon reflect?

Correct Answer: Sunlight

Question 7:

Which is NOT a phase of the moon?

Correct Answer: Blue Moon

Question 8:

Where does the moon get its light from?

Correct Answer: The sun

Question 9:

What goes around the Earth?

Correct Answer: Moon

Question 10:

What is it called when the moon travels around Earth?

Correct Answer: Orbit

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

The Moon is a natural ___________ that goes around the Earth.

Correct Answer: satellite

Question 2:

The Moon is made of rock and ___________.

Correct Answer: dust

Question 3:

The Moon seems to change ___________ as it orbits the Earth.

Correct Answer: shape

Question 4:

We call the different shapes of the moon __________.

Correct Answer: phases

Question 5:

The moon reflects light from the ___________.

Correct Answer: sun

Question 6:

The moon does not make its own ___________.

Correct Answer: light

Question 7:

The moon is ___________ in color.

Correct Answer: gray

Question 8:

The moon makes a circle around the Earth, also known as an __________.

Correct Answer: orbit

Question 9:

The ___________ is our closest neighbor in space.

Correct Answer: moon

Question 10:

The Earth is much ___________ than the moon.

Correct Answer: bigger

Educational Standards

2.ESS1.1:Use information from several sources to provide evidence that Earth events can occur quickly or slowly. 2.ESS1:Earth’s Place in the Universe 2.PS1.1:Plan and conduct an investigation to describe and classify different kinds of materials by their observable properties.

Teaching Materials

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