Moon Phases Sequence Cards

To learn the names of the Moon Phases and their sequence, the kids can make Moon Phases Sequence Cards.

• Start with a large piece of black or blue construction paper. Fold it to make 8 sections (4 on top and 4 on the bottom).
• Cut out the 8 sections.
• Make the Moon Phases from white construction paper. Start with circles all the same size and cut as needed to make the different phase shapes.
• Glue the white Moon phase shapes on the black or blue construction paper and label each phase.
• Have the children place the phases in the correct sequence.
• Mix up the cards and try again.  

Phases Order:  

• New
• Waxing Crescent
• First Quarter
• Waxing Gibbous
• Full
• Waning Gibbous
• Last Quarter
• Waning Crescent

Waxing = getting bigger
Waning = getting smaller

With very young students, you may want to eliminate the terms "waxing" and "waning" (and  "first" and "last" ) and save them for when the kids are older.


If you'd like some great phases of the Moon flashcards that are already printed and ready to download click here.

clipart by www.graphicsfactory.com

Thanks for visiting!  Enjoy the Moon.

Marcia :)

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Moon Observation Calendar

clipart by www.graphicsfactory.com

The previous post suggests to use a Moon Observation Journal to observe the Moon daily, to record data, and to learn about the Moon's Phases.
A Moon Observation Calendar is just another option!
You may prefer to use a calendar instead of a journal.

As long as the boxes for each date on the calendar are large enough, children can observe the Moon Phase in the sky daily and then sketch a picture and record the date and time of their observation.

As with the journal, children should start to notice a pattern after 1 month (28 days).

You can visit Learning Workroom's website for a FREE Moon Phase Calendar that you can download and print.

Go to: http://www.LearningWorkroom.com
Click on "Free Worksheets"

Moon Observation Journal

A good way to learn about the Moon Phases is to keep a Moon Observation Journal.

clipart by www.graphicsfactory.com

Each day have the kids look in the sky for the Moon. When they observe it, have them sketch a picture of the Moon and record the date and time that the Moon was seen. After a month (28 days) of observing they should start to notice a pattern.

The children will need to look for the Moon during the daytime for some phases and in the evening for other phases. Early mornings and late afternoons are also the times that some phases will be observable! Again patterns can be observed.