Moon Mania: Exploring the Phases of the Moon!

Science Grades 2nd Grade 13:34 Video
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Lesson Description

Learn about the different shapes the moon makes in the sky, called phases! We'll discover how the moon changes from a New Moon to a Full Moon and back again.

Video Resource

The Phases of the Moon for Kids

Homeschool Pop

Duration: 13:34
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • The moon goes through different phases.
  • The phases are caused by how much of the sunlit side of the moon we can see.
  • The terms 'waxing' (getting bigger) and 'waning' (getting smaller) describe how the moon's visible portion changes.

Learning Objectives

  • Identify and name the different phases of the moon (New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, Waning Crescent).
  • Explain the meaning of 'waxing' and 'waning' in relation to the moon's phases.
  • Describe that the moon phases change over time.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students what they know about the moon. Have they noticed it looking different at different times? Introduce the idea that the moon has 'phases,' which are different shapes it seems to make in the sky.
  • Video Viewing (10 mins)
    Watch the Homeschool Pop video, 'The Phases of the Moon for Kids.' Encourage students to pay attention to the names of each phase and how the moon's shape changes.
  • Discussion and Explanation (10 mins)
    After the video, discuss the different phases of the moon. Emphasize the terms 'waxing' (getting bigger, like adding wax) and 'waning' (getting smaller). Use drawings or models to help students visualize how the amount of visible moon changes.
  • Activity: Moon Phase Wheel (15 mins)
    Have students create a moon phase wheel. Provide a template with the moon phases around the edge. Students can color or draw each phase. Then, attach a smaller circle on top with a window cut out, so only one phase is visible at a time. This will allow them to rotate the wheel and see the sequence of phases.
  • Review and Wrap-up (5 mins)
    Review the names of the moon phases one last time. Ask students to share their favorite phase and why. Emphasize that the moon phases are a predictable cycle.

Interactive Exercises

  • Moon Phase Flashcards
    Create flashcards with pictures of each moon phase. Show the flashcards to the students and have them name the phase. Increase the speed as they become more confident.
  • Edible Moon Phases
    Use Oreo cookies to demonstrate the phases of the moon. Gently twist the cookies apart and scrape off different amounts of the cream filling to represent each phase. Students can then eat their moon phases!

Discussion Questions

  • What does the moon look like tonight? Can you describe its shape?
  • What does 'waxing' mean? What does 'waning' mean?
  • Why does the moon look like it changes shape?

Skills Developed

  • Observation
  • Vocabulary development
  • Understanding cyclical patterns

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

What is it called when the moon looks like a tiny sliver?

Correct Answer: Waxing Crescent

Question 2:

What is it called when the moon looks like a complete circle?

Correct Answer: Full Moon

Question 3:

What does 'waxing' mean?

Correct Answer: Getting bigger

Question 4:

What is the first phase of the moon called?

Correct Answer: New Moon

Question 5:

What does 'waning' mean?

Correct Answer: Getting smaller

Question 6:

Which phase comes after the First Quarter?

Correct Answer: Waxing Gibbous

Question 7:

Which phase comes after the Full Moon?

Correct Answer: Waning Gibbous

Question 8:

Which of these is NOT a phase of the Moon?

Correct Answer: Half Moon

Question 9:

During which phase can we not see the moon at all?

Correct Answer: New Moon

Question 10:

What shape is the moon during the First Quarter?

Correct Answer: Half Circle

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

When the moon is getting bigger, it is called __________.

Correct Answer: waxing

Question 2:

When the moon is getting smaller, it is called __________.

Correct Answer: waning

Question 3:

The phase when we can't see the moon is called the __________ __________.

Correct Answer: New Moon

Question 4:

When we can see a full circle, it is called the __________ __________.

Correct Answer: Full Moon

Question 5:

A sliver of moon is called a __________.

Correct Answer: crescent

Question 6:

Half of the moon is lit during the First __________ phase.

Correct Answer: Quarter

Question 7:

After the full moon, the moon starts __________.

Correct Answer: waning

Question 8:

Before the full moon, the moon is __________.

Correct Answer: waxing

Question 9:

The moon looks like it is changing __________.

Correct Answer: shape

Question 10:

After the Waning Crescent the next phase is the __________ __________.

Correct Answer: New Moon

Educational Standards

2.ESS1.1:Use information from several sources to provide evidence that Earth events can occur quickly or slowly.

Teaching Materials

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