This is a lesson I would do with 1st/2nd class based on the activity set The Moon.
Objective:
Students will explore the phases of the Moon and understand how the Moon’s position relative to Earth and the Sun causes the observable phases.
Materials:
Styrofoam balls (representing the Moon)
Lamps (representing the Sun)
Dark room or an area where lights can be dimmed
Markers (to draw features on the “Moon”)
Student worksheets for recording observations
Introduction:
Start with a brief discussion about the Moon, asking students what they know about it and its phases.
Explain that the Moon does not produce its own light but reflects light from the Sun, and as it orbits the Earth, we see different portions of its illuminated half, which we call the “phases of the Moon.”
Demonstration:
In a dim room, place a lamp (the Sun) in the centre.
Choose a volunteer to hold a Styrofoam ball (the Moon) at arm’s length.
The student will slowly walk in a circle around the “Earth” (represented by the position of the observing students).
As the student moves around the circle, ask the class to observe how the lighted portion of the Moon changes.
Hands-on Activity:
Divide students into small groups and provide each group with a lamp, a Styrofoam ball, and a space to walk around the lamp.
Students will take turns being the Earth, holding the Moon, and walking around their group’s “Sun.”
While one student moves the Moon around the “Earth,” the others will observe and sketch the phases they see in sequence (New Moon, First Quarter, Full Moon, Last Quarter, etc.).
Encourage students to notice and record the pattern of the phases.
Discussion and Reflection:
Bring the class back together to discuss and question their observations , reinforcing what they have learnt from this lesson.
