Moon Phases
Observe and describe the Moon's changing shape over about a month, recognising that it goes through a repeating cycle of phases from new moon (invisible) to full moon (complete circle) and back again
What a learner can do afterwards
- Describe that the Moon appears to change shape over about a month
- Name or draw at least three phases: new moon (dark), half moon, and full moon
- State that the pattern repeats — the Moon goes through the same shapes again and again
The lesson
Look at the Moon on different nights. It does not always look the same. Its shape changes slowly, over about a month. Then it starts the same pattern again.
Emma looks at the Moon every night for a month. First it is dark. Then it is a half circle. Then it is round and full. Then it shrinks back to dark again.
Try to look at the sky at the same time each night. Watching for many nights helps you see the pattern change slowly.
The Moon changes shape each month, then starts the same pattern again.
Watch it
Where it sits
Learn first
This opens up
Where this leads
Jobs that lean on this skill. Follow one to see everything it is built on.
8 questions wait behind this lesson, each with its answer explained. Every answer feeds the sky: stars light as they are learned, and dim when it is time to come back.