What this lesson teaches
This activity helps students understand the lunar phases and their cycles. They'll learn how the moon appears differently over the month.
Science in Action
Can you finish phases of moon in about 25 min?
Phases of Moon
You will understand the lunar phases and their cycles.
Duration25 min
Age GroupAges 11–13
DifficultyIntermediate
SubjectScience
See how this hands-on lesson works
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What you need
- Flashlight
- Small ball (like a tennis ball)
- Dark sheet or curtain
- Paper
- Pencil
How the activity runs
- Gather a flashlight, a small ball, and a dark sheet.
- Darken the room by turning off the lights.
- Shine the flashlight on the ball from different angles.
- Observe the light and shadow on the ball.
- Draw the moon phases you see on paper.
- Explain your findings to someone at home.
The learning connection
Hands-on activities make learning engaging and memorable. By creating their own moon phases, students can visualize and better understand complex concepts.
Try it with your learner
1. Gather a flashlight and a small ball. 2. Darken the room to see better. 3. Shine the flashlight on the ball at different angles. 4. Observe how the light creates different moon phases. 5. Draw the phases you see on a sheet of paper. 6. Share your drawings with family or friends!