| Understanding the phases of the moon can be a | | | | the entire planet of earth. Then you can |
| tricky concept for a child in elementary | | | | explain how the position of the earth, sun or |
| school. There are many different aspects of | | | | moon affects the phases of the moon and which |
| the phases of the moon that children should | | | | part of the moon we can see. |
| learn. A moon phase lesson plan should be | | | | |
| educational, yet fun so the students can | | | | Next, explain how the moon does not produce |
| better understand the lesson they are taught. | | | | any light, it merely reflects light from the |
| Some concepts of teaching about the moon | | | | sun. You should also explain that the moon |
| phases will be reviewed here. | | | | can be seen both during the day and night. |
| | | | |
| First, you should help the children | | | | To help your students understand this |
| understand moon phase activity (the cycle of | | | | concept, you may like to do a hands on |
| the moon), which is divided into 4 parts: new | | | | experiment. For this experiment you will need |
| moon (where you see no moon at all), first | | | | a darkened class room, soft balls or |
| quarter (only half of the moon can be seen), | | | | styrofoam balls, and flashlights. Information |
| third quarter (only half of the moon can be | | | | on how to execute this experiment can be |
| seen), and full moon (the entire moon can be | | | | found at It will help you in teaching the |
| seen). | | | | phase of the moon. This experiment is |
| | | | approved for children in grades K-6. |
| Your moon phase lesson plan should explain | | | | |
| the difference in these moon phases. Use | | | | Allow plenty of time for your moon phase |
| pictures and diagrams or software that | | | | lesson. If your students have questions, be |
| illustrate what these moon phases look like. | | | | sure to answer them and clarify it by |
| | | | example, as the phase of moon can be a very |
| Your moon phase lesson plan should go over | | | | confusing subject. |
| the earth and moons orbit. You should first | | | | |
| explain that the earth orbits the sun. | | | | Keep it fun and interesting for the students. |
| Explain that the earth orbits the sun in | | | | Remember that students will understand the |
| about 365 days. Next explain that the earth | | | | phase of the moon better (and enjoy your |
| rotates on its axis a full circle in about 24 | | | | lesson more) if you use a variety of teaching |
| hours. Then explain that the moon orbits the | | | | tools such as hands on experiments, diagrams, |
| earth. The moon takes about 28 days to orbit | | | | pictures, software and verbal explanations. |