Curated OER
What Shape is the Moon Tonight?
Students understand that the moon appears differently throughout the month. In this phases of the moon lesson, students observe and record the phases of the moon.
Curated OER
Dark Side of the Moon
Students discover the position of the Earth, Moon, and Sun during each of the phases of the Moon. They then draw a diagram to show the position of the Moon, Earth, and Sun in each of the phases of the moon.
Curated OER
The Many Phases of the Moon
Fifth graders explore the phases of the moon as it relates to the calendar.
NASA
When Do Lunar Eclipses Happen?
Who needs the daylight to simulate a lunar eclipse? Astronomers model the positions of the Sun, Earth, and Moon to explain the necessary conditions for a lunar eclipse. Investigators cut and label a paper plate to represent the Earth and...
Curated OER
Lunar Lollipops
Students simulate the phases of the moon using a lamp and styrofoam balls. In this lunar phases lesson, students stand around a lamp and act as Earth. They hold styrofoam balls and rotate to show the phases of the moon.
Curated OER
Models of the Earth and Moon
Students explore the earth's rotation and phases of the moon. In this planets instructional activity, students rotate and revolve around a light representing the sun. Students use movement and props to simulate what causes the phases of...
Curated OER
Lowell Observatory Moon Clock
Students construct a paper moon clock to determine the moon's position. In this lunar position lesson, students use the provided printout to create a moon clock. They use the clock to determine the moon's position in the sky based on its...
Curated OER
Moon Phases
For this moon worksheet, students fill in the different phases on the moon on a diagram and label each phase. Students compare a solar and lunar eclipse. This worksheet has 2 fill in the blank and 3 short answer questions.
Curated OER
Phases of the Moon
Students use a simple physical model of the Earth, sun, and moon to understand why the moon changes phases from the perspective of Earthly observers. They hold up balls representing the moon in a room with a single light source to see...
Curated OER
Wax On, Wane Off! the Different Views of the Moon
Students create a three-dimensional model of the Earth and Moon to show the different phases of the moon as they appear on Earth. In small groups, they draw a diagram for a phase, set up the model in the drawn positions then test it with...
Curated OER
Lunar Lollipops
Students work with a partner, Styrofoam ball and light source to simulate the positions of the Earth, Moon and Sun at various stages during the phases of the Moon. They describe why the Moon is visible from Earth and complete a worksheet.
Curated OER
Moons Of The Solar System
Students investigate the solar system and its moons. They conduct research in groups to find information. Also the teacher uses models of the planets in order to teach different facts about the solar system through the use of...
Curated OER
Moon Observations
Third graders create a model of the moon and use a flashlight to illustrate the various stages of the moon.
Curated OER
Spinning into Space
Students, through hands-on activities, teacher demonstrations, pictures, and informational books, complete a unit on the Earth and its place in the Universe. They make mobiles of the Milky Way and watch demonstrations of lunar and solar...
Curated OER
Phases of the Moon
Sixth graders observe the changes in the moon's appearance over a two week period of time from their homes. They record and illustrate their observations and also complete daytime moon viewings as a class.
Curated OER
Once In a Blue Moon
Students review the characteristics of the planets and their moons. Using the internet, they research the relationship between the Earth and its moons. They take a template of the moon and draw craters of different colors to present to...
Curated OER
Charting the Moon
Sixth graders observe changes in the moon's appearance over a month and keep records of their observations. They write a plan for recording what they see, and a paragraph reflecting on what they have learned over the course of the month.
Curated OER
Science Videos
Students plan, practice, and act in a 2-3 minute videotaped production about a specific topic. Students from a local high school give presentations pertaining to seasons, earth rotation, and moon phases. Students analyze the...
Curated OER
Tides
Students discover how the position of the Sun, Moon and Earth affect tides. In this science lesson, students view a presentation about the tides. Students discuss the different types of tides.
Curated OER
Observing and Sketching the Lunar Surface
Learners explore space science by conducting an illustration activity. For this lunar lesson, students discuss what the moon is and the role it plays for our environment on Earth. Learners view images of the moon and utilize chalk to...
Curated OER
Moon Observations
Students study the science of the moon. In this moon observations lesson, students study vocabulary associated with the moon, study a lunar calendar, and a phases of the moon's orbit around the Earth.
Space Awareness
Navigation in the Ancient Mediterranean and Beyond
Ancient texts, like Homer's Odyssey, mentions navigating ships by observing constellations. Pupils learn about the link between history and astronomy as they relate to navigation in the Bronze Age. Scholars complete two hands-on...
Curated OER
The Reasons for the Season
Students explain the reason for the changes in season. In this lesson examining the relationship between the Earth and the Sun, students use an applet to discover how the alignment of the Earth and the Sun cause the change in seasons.
Curated OER
Lunar Lollipops
Demonstrate the lunar cycle to youngsters using flashlights and lollipops. The procedure is somewhat vague, so it will need to be modeled for them before turning them loose to try it. The questions that follow the activity are not...