The Homeschool Resource

• There are eight distinct phases of the moon determined by the changing positions of the Earth, moon and sun. As the moon travels in orbit around the Earth, different parts of it are illuminated by the sun’s light.

• Around the 6th grade, students will begin learning about the phases of the moon and how they affect the tides.

• You can download my 2 FREE phases of the moon matching worksheets along with the answer keys HERE to help supplement your lesson plans.

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What are the Phases of the Moon and When Should They be Taught?

Every night when you look up into the sky, the moon appears to change shape. However, the moon itself does not change, it is merely the portion of the moon visible here on Earth that changes. These changes are referred to as the phases of the moon. There are eight distinct phases of the moon dictated by the amount of sunlight that is reflected by the moon’s surface. These eight phases are new moon, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, third quarter, and waning crescent. The phases are spaced about three to four days apart with the entire cycle taking around 29 days.

Starting around the 6^th grade, children will start learning about the moon’s phases. These lessons are included in the Earth sciences and/or physical sciences sectors. They correspond with lessons on the Earth’s position in space and the universe and stars. Making models, reading books or articles, watching videos, completing informational worksheets, and doing real life moon observations are all great ways to teach your children about the phases of the moon.

During this lesson, the tidal changes are often taught as well since they are dependent on the changes of the moon. Neap tide corresponds with the first and third quarter moon. During this time there is the least amount of difference between high tide and low tide. Spring tide, however, is the opposite. It occurs during the full and new moon phases. When the Earth, sun, and moon align it causes a bulge in the tides which makes the tides larger with a bigger difference between low tide and high tide.

Phases of the Moon Graph Activity

My kids and I always enjoy doing hands-on activities whenever possible. This is especially true for science since this promotes a greater understanding of the subject matter by physical demonstrations. Making a model of the moon’s phases is one way to get your children involved in a hands-on activity. Another way is to have your child observe the moon over a set number of days (whether just a week or two or for an entire month) and have them record their observations in some sort or organized journal or paper. I like to use a monthly calendar-like paper that allows them to draw what they see as well as label the phases.

To complete this activity, you will need to either print out or draw a calendar style notebook page. Label the columns for each day of the week and add the dates where designated. Have your child go outside or join you outside to observe the moon every night for the predetermined amount of time. Once observed, have them draw what the moon looks like on the correct day and state whether it is a specific phase. They do not need to write anything down on days in between the phases. Once the chart is completed, have them note how the moon changes from day to day as well as over the course of the entire chart.

 If you would like to use my pre-made Phases of the Moon chart, check out my Phases of the Moon Packet at my TeachersPayTeachers store here.

Phases of the Moon Worksheets

            My Phases of the Moon Worksheets Packet is a great supplement for your phases of the moon lessons by adding reinforcement worksheets as well as a moon chart activity. The set includes several types of worksheets, both a monthly and a two-week moon observation activity so that you have the option to cater it to your lesson timeline, and a magazine-type article activity that incorporates ELA elements. With a total of 14 pages, including 6 answer key pages, you can spread the lesson out over several days of learning. It includes: 1 Picture Match Worksheet, 1 Definition Match Worksheet, 1 Article Assignment Writing Worksheet, 2 Phases of the Moon Cards Worksheets, 1 One Month Chart Activity Sheet, 1 Two Week Chart Activity Sheet, 1 Tidal Waves True/False Worksheet, 6 Answer Key pages, and an instructions page.

Whether you want to use these worksheets as a review or to help reinforce curriculum concepts, your child will have fun while learning with these supporting pages.

Repitition and visualization are two key ways to help children grasp a subject. I have created two matching worksheets to help do just that. One lets your child match a picture of the moon’s phases to the name of the phase. The other has the child match the name of the phase to the description. You can download the set for FREE along with the answer key pages by clicking HERE or by downloading the set from my TPT store here.

What is one of your favorite phases of the moon activities that you do with your children? Share with the community in the comments below to give them more ideas.