Moon Phases and Eclipses

Why does the moon changes shape? In order to answer that, we must ask the questions, "What does the moon look like on Earth?" and "What is happening in space that causes the moon to appear that way to us?" We take a closer look at the moon by zooming way out to look at how the moon's orbit and position relative to Earth and the Sun creates the effect of the moon changing phases.


The Moon Word Journal

Let's start by watching a Bill Nye about the Moon.

Fill out this notes guide as you watch. Bill Nye Moon Worksheet


Moon Phases Part 1

So what are the Moon Phases? Look through this Moon Phase Notes to view information about each of the 8 moon phases, including the time between each phase and even images of what they look like.


Here is a blank copy of our in class notes on the Moon Phases.

Moon Phase Notes

Copy of Moon Phases
Copy of Golf Ball Moon Experiment

Moon Phase Lab

Using a lamp, golf ball, and a tee try to create the path of the moon around the earth. Observe changes in the coloring of the golf ball and compare this to moon phases.

Eclipses

There are two types of eclipses and they correspond to 2 of the moon phases. Watch the video to learn about Eclipses.

Which eclipse happens during a New Moon? Full Moon?