On the Moon | Learning Activity

Article

The moon’s phases can seem mysterious and spark all sorts of preconceptions.

The On the Moon activity introduces the moon’s phases to students in Cycle 2 of elementary school. Students will identify their knowledge and potential misconceptions, then observe the moon and draw conclusions based on their observations.

Activity Details

Subject: Science and Technology

Grade level(s): Grades 3 and 4

Duration:

Week 1Introduction10 min
 Part 1: Before Observing the Moon15 min
 Part 2: Weekly In-Class Group Observation20 min
Week 2Part 2: Weekly In-Class Group Observation20 min
Week 3Part 2: Weekly In-Class Group Observation20 min
Week 4Part 2: Weekly In-Class Group Observation20 min
Week 5Part 2: Weekly In-Class Group Observation20 min
Week 6Part 2: Weekly In-Class Group Observation20 min
 Part 3: Conclusion30 min

Objectives : 

  • Challenge preconceptions about the moon and its phases.
  • Draw each phase of the lunar cycle (full moon, new moon, first quarter, last quarter, waxing gibbous, waning gibbous).

     
Preview of the Student Booklet.