Activity Overview
The phases of the Moon are caused by the motion of the Moon around the Earth relative to the Sun. As the Moon moves around the Earth, parts of it are illuminated and others are in shadows. The Moon takes 28 days to make a full orbit of the Earth, and during this time, the Moon looks different from Earth depending on its position. In this activity, students will create a model to explain each of the phases of the Moon using a grid storyboard.
Phases of the Moon
- New Moon
- Waxing Crescent
- First Quarter
- Waxing Gibbous
- Full Moon
- Waning Gibbous
- Last Quarter
- Waning Crescent
Note: The moon appears different in the sky depending on the hemisphere. The example storyboard shows both Northern and Southern Hemispheres, but the activity template and instructions only call for one hemisphere.
As an alternate layout, students may want to use the timeline layout to show the sequence of moon phases. After completing this activity, there is a great opportunity for students to evaluate their models. Lead students through pointing out the strengths and limitations of the models by giving them an opportunity to make suggestions for improvements.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a grid that explains the different phases of the Moon by relating the position of the Moon to the Earth and Sun.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Write the names of the different phases of the Moon as the titles of the rows.
- In the first column, use the Moon diagram to show the position of the Moon or each phase. You can find the Moon diagram under the Science tab. Be sure to add the Sun.
- In the next column, use the smart Moon item to show what the Moon would look from Earth for each stage.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 25 Points | Emerging 13 Points | Beginning 0 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identified Phases | Eight moon phases are correctly identified. | At least six moon phases are correctly identified. | Four or fewer moon phases are correctly identified. |
| Shape of the Moon | The diagrams for the shape of the moon are correct for all eight phases. | The diagrams for the shape of the moon are correct for at least six phases. | The diagrams for the shape of the moon are correct for four or fewer phases phases. |
| Position of the Moon | The diagrams for the positions of the moon are correct for all eight phases. | The diagrams for the positions of the moon are correct for at least six phases. | The diagrams for the positions of the moon are correct for four or fewer phases phases. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
Activity Overview
The phases of the Moon are caused by the motion of the Moon around the Earth relative to the Sun. As the Moon moves around the Earth, parts of it are illuminated and others are in shadows. The Moon takes 28 days to make a full orbit of the Earth, and during this time, the Moon looks different from Earth depending on its position. In this activity, students will create a model to explain each of the phases of the Moon using a grid storyboard.
Phases of the Moon
- New Moon
- Waxing Crescent
- First Quarter
- Waxing Gibbous
- Full Moon
- Waning Gibbous
- Last Quarter
- Waning Crescent
Note: The moon appears different in the sky depending on the hemisphere. The example storyboard shows both Northern and Southern Hemispheres, but the activity template and instructions only call for one hemisphere.
As an alternate layout, students may want to use the timeline layout to show the sequence of moon phases. After completing this activity, there is a great opportunity for students to evaluate their models. Lead students through pointing out the strengths and limitations of the models by giving them an opportunity to make suggestions for improvements.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a grid that explains the different phases of the Moon by relating the position of the Moon to the Earth and Sun.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Write the names of the different phases of the Moon as the titles of the rows.
- In the first column, use the Moon diagram to show the position of the Moon or each phase. You can find the Moon diagram under the Science tab. Be sure to add the Sun.
- In the next column, use the smart Moon item to show what the Moon would look from Earth for each stage.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 25 Points | Emerging 13 Points | Beginning 0 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identified Phases | Eight moon phases are correctly identified. | At least six moon phases are correctly identified. | Four or fewer moon phases are correctly identified. |
| Shape of the Moon | The diagrams for the shape of the moon are correct for all eight phases. | The diagrams for the shape of the moon are correct for at least six phases. | The diagrams for the shape of the moon are correct for four or fewer phases phases. |
| Position of the Moon | The diagrams for the positions of the moon are correct for all eight phases. | The diagrams for the positions of the moon are correct for at least six phases. | The diagrams for the positions of the moon are correct for four or fewer phases phases. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
How Tos about Illustrating Phases of the Moon
Engage your class with an outdoor Moon observation journal
Bring learning outside by having students track the Moon’s appearance over several nights. First-hand observation helps deepen understanding and excitement about lunar phases.
Prepare simple Moon journals for each student
Set up easy-to-use journals with date, time, weather, and drawing spaces so students can quickly record their nightly Moon observations.
Give clear instructions for safe nighttime viewing
Remind students to observe with adult supervision and never look directly at the Sun. Suggest observation times just after sunset for safety and ease.
Encourage descriptive notes and labeled sketches
Ask students to draw the Moon’s shape and write observations about its size, brightness, and position. Label each phase if known.
Discuss and compare findings as a class
Hold a class discussion to share journals and compare how the Moon changed each night. Connect observations back to the Moon phases chart for real-world application.
Frequently Asked Questions about Illustrating Phases of the Moon
What are the phases of the Moon and how do they occur?
The phases of the Moon are the different shapes the Moon appears to have from Earth, caused by its orbit around our planet and the changing angles of sunlight. As the Moon moves, we see more or less of its sunlit side, resulting in phases like new moon, crescent, quarter, gibbous, and full moon.
How can I teach the phases of the Moon using a simple classroom activity?
Use a grid storyboard or timeline layout where students model each phase by showing the position of the Moon relative to the Earth and Sun, and then illustrate how the Moon looks from Earth. This hands-on approach helps students visualize and understand each phase.
What is the best way to help students visualize the Moon's phases?
The best way is to have students create a model—such as drawing or using objects—to show the Moon’s position in relation to the Earth and Sun for each phase. Pairing this with diagrams of the Moon’s appearance from Earth cements understanding.
How long does it take the Moon to go through all its phases?
The Moon takes about 28 days to complete a full cycle of phases, from new moon back to new moon, as it orbits the Earth.
Why does the Moon look different in each hemisphere?
The Moon appears differently in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres because observers are viewing it from opposite sides of the Earth. This changes the orientation and waxing/waning direction of the phases seen in the sky.
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