Teaching students about the moon phases can be a lot of fun, but it’s a pretty abstract concept, and it takes intentional teaching to help students understand. As a fourth grade science teacher, I had to learn how to teach moon phases in an elementary classroom in a way that my students actually understood. It goes beyond simple memorization. I’ve learned that hands-on activities and visual support are key to helping students grasp the pattern and meaning behind each phase of the moon.
Here’s how to teach moon phases in a way your students will love and actually remember!
Start with a Moon Phases PowerPoint Packed with Visuals
Before diving into activities, I always begin with a Moon Phases PowerPoint that includes some background information and fun facts about the Moon. I use this to add some background information in order to get them thinking about what they already know. I also start the lesson by showing them our current Moon Calendar using this website. The kids LOVE checking out the calendar and always start asking great questions like, “What does a new moon mean?”
The lesson includes detailed pictures and helpful GIFs to show students what the moon looks like from Earth during each phase. Animation is so helpful here because students can see the Moon changing in real time. This helps them make sense of how and why the phases occur.
One of the trickiest concepts for students to understand is that the Moon is always halfway lit by the Sun – we just don’t always see it that way from Earth.
This idea is very abstract, so I use lots of visuals and some simple modeling to help make it clearer. I explain it like this: “If we were in a space shuttle looking at the Moon from outer space, it would always look half lit. But since we live on Earth, we see different parts of that lit half depending on the Moon’s position.”
This step lays the foundation for all the fun practice that comes next.
Go Ahead and Make those Moon Phases with Oreos
I know this is the classic Moon Phases activity, but the kids love it – and honestly, it’s just plain fun. I have my students build each Moon phase as I teach it, but I also know full well that they’re only paying attention to me about half the time… and drooling over the cookies the other half. And that’s okay! It’s engaging, it’s hands-on, and they’ll remember it.
That’s why the next day, I always review each Moon phase again. And you know what? They actually do a pretty great job remembering them!
I personally teach the Moon phases with the Sun on the right side of the paper because it matches the song I use in my PowerPoint lesson. It’s how I remember the order, too!
Make It Hands-On With a Moon Phases Sort
One of the best things I’ve done to help my students master the moon phases is create Moon Phases flashcards. I cut these out and place them in baggies for my table groups. My students work in partners or independently to sort the Moon phases. It’s a perfect bell ringer or exit ticket activity that only takes a few minutes, but it is a great way to help them remember the phases!
When I know that my students have had enough practice, they complete their own cut and glue sort activity (and I always use this one as a graded assignment or even a quiz). It’s a great hands-on way to assess understanding.
When you’re planning how to teach moon phases, activities like this make a huge difference. Students get to manipulate the pieces and actively engage with the material.
Don’t Forget the Big Picture
After introducing the phases and letting students practice, we always take a moment to reflect. We talk about why the moon has phases, how the Earth and Sun play a role, and what phase the moon is currently in. If possible, we even go outside and observe the moon!
One of my favorite things to look forward to during the month I teach this unit is the full Moon. The kids get just as excited as I do! Each day, we talk about the phase we saw the night before. The students look forward to the full Moon so much that I’ve even had some take pictures of it to show me the next day. It’s the sweetest thing! When they love learning – that’s always my biggest goal as a teacher.
Ready-To-Use Resources
If you’re looking for done-for-you materials to make your Moon Unit easy and engaging, here are the resources that I use in my classroom:
Make science interesting and watch your students love ❤️ learning!
Happy Teaching!
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