The Moon Outreach Lesson consists of a short discussion of the characteristics of the Moon including orbital/rotational period, craters, phases and the causes for the phases. Then students work in groups using flashlights and small balls to simulate Moon phases. They finish the activity by completing  a short worksheet which requires them to journal their observations and describe what caused them to see different phases. The lesson concludes with a summary of the activity by the planetarium instructor and a demonstration of solar and lunar eclipses in comparison to phases. 
 

This activity is recommended for students grades 3-7. Approximately 45 minutes are needed to complete the lesson. All materials are provided.

Visit our Simulations page for computer simulations of Moon Phases.
 

We encourage you to visit the Planetarium as a great way to end your unit!