Students explore the dynamics of lunar phases to develop an understanding of the relative positions of our Moon, Earth, and Sun that cause the phases of the Moon as viewed from Earth. This activity, developed by teacher Ashley White and revised by LPI, provides graphs and data for the percentage of the Moon that is illuminated. This activity creates a model with the real Moon and Sun in the sky to help participants discover the real reason for the lunar phases. Students gain a better perspective on the relationship between the size and distance of the Moon by creating a scale model. Round cream cheese crackers can also be used if cookies are not an option. Students will recreate the lunar phases using the frosting from OreoВ® cookies. Students record data about Moon phases on a data sheet over the course of one complete Moon cycle (approximately 28 days). If the Earth was a basketball, the Moon would be a tennis ball, about 23 feet away

Scale of the Earth-Moon System-the Earth is 4 times wider than the Moon, and not very close.

Revolution-the Earth revolves (orbits) around the Sun, completing one orbit every year, and the Moon revolves around the Earth, completing one orbit every month Rotation-the Earth rotates (spins) on its axis, completing one turn every 24 hours (B) demonstrate and predict the sequence of events in the lunar cycle. The student knows the effects resulting from cyclical movements of the Sun, Earth, and Moon.

Return to Earth & Space Science Classroom Activities and Resources StandardsДЁ(7) Earth and space. This page was developed as part of the NASA-funded Sustainable Trainer Engagement Program by LPI

Lunar phase