Curated OER
The Moon is made of Cheese
Eighth graders explore the reasons why they believe scientific ideas are true. They think critically rather than accept everything they are told without question.
Curated OER
Once In a Blue Moon
Students review the characteristics of the planets and their moons. Using the internet, they research the relationship between the Earth and its moons. They take a template of the moon and draw craters of different colors to present to...
Curated OER
The Vocabulary of Space
Students build their knowledge and understanding of vocabulary related to space. In this space lesson, students discuss four categories of words and phrases related to space.
Curated OER
New Year Celebrations Around the World
Students share their New Year's traditions, then read a news article about how people around the world celebrate the start of a new year. In this current events lesson plan, the teacher introduces the article with a discussion and...
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Earth Science: Lunar Phases
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Describes the phases of the moon and what causes them.
American Association of Physics Teachers
Com Padre Digital Library: Open Source Physics: Solar and Lunar Eclipse Model
Experience the simulation of both solar and lunar eclipses to understand why these eclipses do not occur monthly.
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Measuring the Moon
Sometimes a full moon can be so bright, you can walk around in the dark without a flashlight. How much brighter is a full moon than the other phases of the moon? How is the brightness of the moon measured?
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Fifth Grade Science: Earth Science: The Sun Earth Moon System
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Discusses solar and lunar eclipses, the phases of the Moon, and why the phases occur.
Extreme Science
Extreme Science: The Moon
Read about the birth of Earth's moon, its composition, orbit, visible phases, and other interesting facts. Link to a virtual moon phase interactive which shows the current lunar phase and the phase on any date in the past or future.
The Wonder of Science
The Wonder of Science: Ms Ess1 1: Earth Sun Moon System
Develop and use a model of the earth-sun-moon system to describe the cyclic patterns of lunar phases, eclipses of the sun and moon, and seasons.
Science Bob Pflugfelder
Science Bob: Oreo Cookie Moon Phases
Science Bob provides instructions for making phases of the moon with Oreo cookies with fun moon facts.
ArtsNow
Arts Now Learning: Phases of the Moon [Pdf]
In this lesson plan, 4th graders use their bodies to model the day/night cycles of the Sun and Earth. Next, they discuss the moon's role in the solar system and explore the eight phases of the moon by acting out a story. Finally, a song...
American Geosciences Institute
American Geosciences Institute: Astronomy
Eight hands-on lessons module in which students explore the characteristics of planet Earth, its moons, the sun, the solar system, planets, and the difference between science fact and science fiction.
Utah Education Network
Uen: Lunar Language
This lesson engages students in listening and viewing comprehension strategies to help them learn about the phases of the moon. Students will use a specialized graphic organizer to draw and describe observed moon phases. A sheet with ABC...
Utah Education Network
Uen: Patterned Paragraphs
Students will learn about the importance of including specific details when writing. Students will watch the teacher model "How to Make a Peanut Butter Sandwich." Then student will replicate the process for writing with specificity as...
Creative Science Centre
Creative Science Centre: Pic Moon Clock
Explains the design of a simple device that shows the progress of the phases of the Moon on its 29 1/2 day orbit around the Earth.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: First Grade Science: Sky Patterns
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Describes patterns that can be found in the movement of the Sun, Moon, and stars.
University of California
At Home Astronomy: Hands on Science Experiments for the Entire Family
A collection of ten hands-on science experiments for the entire family that will help you understand concepts in astronomy. Make an astrolabe, find the size of the sun and moon, build a lunar settlement, find out about meteoroids, shadow...
Sophia Learning
Sophia: Bill Nye: Baseball Moon
Bill Nye explains the phases of the moon with an experiment using a baseball, a lamp on a table, a dark room, and a stool or chair that swivels. As the person moves around, the changes in reflected light show the phases of the moon. The...
TOPS Learning Systems
Tops Learning Systems: Top Science: Moon on a Stick [Pdf]
Investigate why the moon does not always appear to be round.
Other
Lunar and Planetary Institute: Explore! Marvel Moon
A variety of hands-on activities designed to engage children in learning about the moon.
American Association of Physics Teachers
Com Padre Digital Library: Open Source Physics: Phases of the Moon Model
Examine the changes that occur with the moon's movement in relationship to the Earth and Sun with this astronomy simulation.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Physical Science: Orbital Motion
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Orbital motion and why it occurs, and the orbits of the Earth around the sun and the moon around the Earth.
Bill Nye
Bill Nye: Baseball Moon
This tutorial by Bill Nye explains how you can use a lamp and a baseball to understand the phases of the moon.