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