The Phases of the Moon Station Activity:

I can describe and demonstrate the phases of the moon.

Name:

Station #1: Moon Predictions Using Math (Located by the calendar)

At this station you will look at the chart provided and pay attention to the key details the
moon travels halfway around the world in about 15 days, and all the way around the
world in about 30 days. Using the diagram and the directions given at the bottom of the
poster, use your knowledge of ratios to determine around which day the moon would
appear in the new moon, full moon, and third quarter phases over a 90-day period. The
first appearance of the new moon will be on Day 8.
Phase

First Appearance

New Moon

Day 8

Second
Appearance

Third Appearance

Full Moon
Third Quarter

Station #6: The Far Side of the Moon (Located at Barn 4)

At this station you will study and analyze this time lapse video of the far side of the
moon taken by NASA in August 2015. As you are watching the time lapse video, use
your knowledge of the phases of the moon in regards to its position to the Earth and the
Sun, to support a reason for why we never see the far side of the moon. Please support
your reason in complete sentences.

Station #3: Moon Phase Transporter (Located in the class library)

At this station you will be EARTH and will spin around slowly to see the different phases
of the moon. Each member in your group will get 20-30 seconds spinning around the
transporter. When you are finished spinning, record what you see and how your
perspective on the phases of the moon may have changed.
Record your observations and thoughts here:

Station #4: A Moon Story (Located over by Mrs. Andersons desk)

At this station you will read a short story about the phases of the moon and then draw
the phases of the moon where they are talked about in the poem. After reading the poem
and drawing the phases, predict what the phase of the moon will be tonight and
explain why.

The Moon Game:

Im the moon and I play a game.
I dont always look the same.
Sometimes Im round, a silver sphere.
Sometimes just half of me seems to be here.
Sometimes Im a crescent, shaped like a smile.
Sometimes I surprise you and hide for awhile.
Look up in the sky for my friendly light.
What shape will I have When you see me tonight?
What do you think the moon will look like tonight? Why?

Station #5: Take me out to the Ball Game! (Located at the computers)
At this station you will be on your own computer and watch a short video on the phases
of the moon. As you are watching the video, explain what would happen if the moon did
not orbit the Earth at a tilt. How would the phases of the moon be different? What would
occur?

Station #6: Catch Phase (Located at the White Boards)

At this station one person will read from the options below and the other two (or three)
will have to point to the correct phase. Once you get through one round switch roles
around and continue until it is time to switch.