7 Fun Ways to Teach Your Kids About Moon Phases
Looking for a fun and educational activity to do with your kids? Why not teach them about the moon phases? From waxing crescents to full moons and waning gibbous, the moon has many phases that can be exciting to learn about. Learning about the moon phases can help your kids understand the lunar cycle and the science behind it. In this blog post, we’ll explore 7 fun and engaging ways to teach your kids about the moon with fun moon phases activities.
Snag a free roadmap to help you stay on track throughout the year when you are lesson planning. HERE!
To help you plan out your year, grab a free yearly overview for science, which makes planning stress-free.
1. Use Oreo Cookies to Teach About the Moon Phases
Did you know that you can use Oreo cookies to teach kids about the moon phases? All you need are some Oreo cookies and a little bit of creativity. Start with a whole Oreo cookie to represent a full moon. Then, scrape away some of the cream to create the different phases of the moon. For example, scrape away a quarter of the cream for a first-quarter moon or half of the cream for a waning gibbous moon. Kids will love this tasty and interactive moon phases activity.
2. Create Moon Phase Art
Another fun way to teach your kids about moon phases is by creating moon phase art. Create a backdrop of a night sky or use black paper to represent the vast darkness of space. Then, create different moon phases using paper or other materials. You can use cotton balls to create a full moon or crescent-shaped pieces of construction paper to represent other phases. Kids will love using their creativity to make their own moon phase art.
3. Use a Moon Phase Chart
A moon phase chart is a great visual tool to help kids understand the lunar cycle. You can create your own chart or use one that’s readily available online. Use the chart to show kids the different phases of the moon and their names. You can then use the chart to track the moon’s phases over time and observe how the moon changes each night.
4. Read Children’s Books About the Moon Phases
Reading children’s books about the moon phases can be a fun and educational way to teach your kids about the lunar cycle. Many excellent books are available that explain the moon phases in a way that kids can understand. Some great options include “The Moon Book” by Gail Gibbons, “Grandmother Moon” by Zetta Elliott, and “I Took the Moon for a Walk” by Carolyn Curtis.
5. Conduct Moon Phase Experiments
Kids love experiments, and there are many fun experiments you can conduct to teach them about the moon phases. For example, you can use a flashlight to simulate the sun and a ball or other object to represent the moon. Position the ball in different ways to represent the different moon phases and observe how the light reflects off of it.
6. Watch the Moon Change Each Night
Watching the moon change each night can be a fun and interactive way to teach your kids about the lunar cycle. Encourage your kids to observe the moon each night before bed and take notes on what they see. They can then use their observations to create their own moon phase chart or journal.
7. Visit a Planetarium or Observatory
Finally, visiting a planetarium or observatory can be an exciting way to teach your kids about the moon phases. These facilities often offer educational programs and exhibits that explain the lunar cycle and other astronomical phenomena. Kids can see the moon up close and learn from experts in the field.
Moon Phases Activities for kids
Teaching your kids about the moon phases can be a fun and engaging experience. From Oreo cookies to moon phase charts, there are many creative ways to make learning about the lunar cycle exciting. By using these 7 fun and engaging moon phases activities, you can help your kids understand the science behind the moon phases and spark their curiosity about the universe.
Add in pre-made Moon Phases Activities
Teaching the moon phases can take little time. With state testing, it is hard to fit it all in. If you are struggling with developing lesson plans on your own, I’ve got you covered. My phases of the Moon Activity Pack is perfect for 2nd and 3rd graders. It contains lesson plans, anchor charts, low-prep science experiments, worksheets, and quizzes.
Each unit comes with:
- lesson plans
- vocabulary words
- anchor chart ideas
- an interactive notebook activity or corresponding worksheet
- nonfiction reading passages
- additional worksheets perfect for a science station
- an end of the unit quiz to assess their understanding of the topic
Figuring out how to fit science into your day is easy when all the work is done for you!
Grab MORE teaching ideas here!
AMAZING WEATHER ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS
