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