Lunar Phases

Click the image above for a FREE printable of the phases of the moon.

Materials:

Nature Journal, drawing utensils of choice, and clear nights for observation

Activity:

Go outside on a clear night and observe the night sky. In the “Observable sky” section of your nature journal, circle the moon phase you observe and make any notes you have on the luster, position of the moon in the sky, time of observation, or other sky conditions at the time of your observation. Come back once a week or so to observe the moon phases change over time.

Younger: 

Ask the younger kids questions about what they think the moon will look like in the next observation.

Older:

Have the older children label the phases of the moon or observe it closer with a telescope (if you have access to one) and draw detailed observations in their nature journal.

Take it Further:

Do a mini-lesson on moon phases. The names of the phases, what causes them, ancient stories about the names of the different full moons, and how people kept lunar time before our current calendar. This moon study by Steph Hathaway Designs is a great jumping-off point.

Or a mini-lesson on moons. What they are, which planets have them, why they orbit planets, what is unique and special about our moon in relation to its size and position to earth and the sun. This Galilean moon study is a great place to start. Or for more moons of our solar system, you could use these beautiful printables.

Taking the study of moons further, this set will help you learn more about the man who first discovered other planet’s moons. Click the image above for a link to the printables in my teachers pay teachers shop.

This beautiful moon study by Steph Hathaway Designs is available in her Etsy shop by clicking the image above.