Phases of the Moon
There are few things in life as constant as seeing the Moon at night, yet what seems most predictable about the Moon, is the cycle of change that it experiences month after month. Children are naturally curious about the Moon and the mystique that it holds, which makes it a great entry point for learning about cycles in nature and how-to observe change over time.
Capturing the moon together also inspires a sense of being connected to something larger than oneself…
Description
Learn why the moon seems to change shape during the course of a month. Children may use a white gel pen or play dough to create the moon phases and then label the parts. For some added fun, look up the current monthly moon calendar on Farmer’s Almanac. Invite your children to observe the subtle changes first hand.
Materials
- Printables
- White Gel Pen, Crayon, or Colored Pencil
- White Play Dough
Books to Inspire
- Nature Anatomy by Julia Rotham (pictured above)
- The Moon Seems to Change by Franklyn M. Branley
- The Moon Book by Gail Gibbons
- So That’s How the Moon Changes Shape by Allan Fowler
Join us over at the Teachers’ Lounge and enjoy access to our complete unit on Outer Space!
