Amazing Facts About the Moon + Worksheets for Kids
This post may contain affiliate or referral links, meaning I may earn a sales commission at no extra cost to you. Please see my full affiliate disclosure here.
Moon activities for kids are a great way to explore science with your little space enthusiast. If you are looking for some fun and educational activities and a phases of the moon worksheet bundle to do with your children, we’ve got a list of fun things that will help them explore the moon and all of its phases!
These printable worksheets and moon coloring pages are fun and help kids explore this celestial body, and keep them entertained while they learn.
These phases of the moon worksheet activity pack would make a great homeschool lesson or summer activity for kids who need something to do.
This bundle would also be great to use while stargazing or learning about the lunar eclipse, the solar system, and outer space.
Ways To Let Your Kids Explore The Moon
- Moon Tracker– Track how the moon looks each night and color in the circles to show what you see
- Moon Phases Activity- Printable moon cards can be used for learning activities such as putting the cards in order or printing two sets to use for playing a matching game.
- Moonlight Games– Use glow sticks to play tag, freeze tag, red rover, or other games under the moon.
- Glow in the Dark Bowling– Put glow sticks in clean soda bottles and use a ball to play this popular game in the dark.
- Moon coloring pages – have fun coloring the pages
- Oreo Cookie Phases of the Moon– Kids will love making different phases with cookies
Printable Moon Phase Activities
Download these free moon phase cards, activities, and moon coloring pages.
Moon Phases For Kids
The moon is a very interesting object. It looks different depending on the time of day and even the time of year. Depending on where the moon is in the sky, the earth’s shadows on the moon make it look different. These are called moon phases.
As the moon rotates on its axis, we only ever see one-half of it lit up by sunlight at any time, and so over 29-odd days (a lunar month) things gradually change until another side is facing us again.
How Many Moon Phases Are There?
There are eight phases of the moon; the new moon, three waxing phases, the full moon, and three waning phases.
Four Primary Phases Of The Moon:
- New Moon
- Full Moon
- Last Quarter
- First Quarter
What Are The Moon Phases?
A phase refers to any point during the moon’s cycle that is seen from Earth. The phases of the moon are different every night as it rotates on its axis, and each phase is named after how much of the lit area we can see. In addition to the four main phases, there are four more.
Secondary Moon Phases:
- Waxing Crescent (less than half)
- Waning Crescent
- Waning Gibbous (more than half)
- Waxing Gibbous (before old crescent and back through waning gibbous).
A waxing crescent means that what little light there is, is coming from the east edge of our view while a waning crescent would mean less light from the west edge.
A full moon occurs when you’re looking at a fully illuminated face of the moon in daylight without any shadows to speak of.
Why Do Phases Matter?
Phases are important for many reasons, but one that stands out is how they help keep track of the time on earth.
For example, if you were in charge of an observatory with a telescope pointed at the stars nightly, knowing when each phase occurred would be vital. This information helps astronomers know where to point their instruments at night to study different areas of space.
The Moon’s Effects On Humans
We’re all familiar with how changes in light can have strong impacts on our moods or even energy levels. Scientists have linked the phases of the moon to increased rates of psychiatric hospitalizations, emergency visits, and even crime.
Why Is The Moon So Bright At Night?
The moon doesn’t shine, it reflects. The brightness of the Moon during a full phase has to do with how much sunlight it reflects back out into space. The more light that’s reflected, the brighter we see it!
In contrast, when there isn’t any sunlight hitting its surface, such as on a new moon or first quarter, it appears very dark because none of this extra reflected light can escape from Earth’s shadow.
What Are Waxing And Waning?
The terms waxing and waning refer to the changing shape of the moon. Waxing refers to when it becomes larger each night while waning means that it is getting smaller with every passing day until there’s nothing left but a sliver of light.
Lunar Eclipse Craft
If your child is interested in the moon, they might enjoy making this moveable lunar eclipse craft.
Exploring the different phases of the moon, what they look like, and even how they affect our lives is a great way to learn fun facts about the sky with these phases of the moon activities for kids. they
