Major Moon Phases

SC 4th Grade Science

Moon Phases

4.E.3B.1 Analyze and interpret data from observations to describe patterns in the (1) location, (2) movement, and (3) appearance of the Moon throughout the year

Where does the Moon's light come from?

​The Moon reflects light from the Sun and just like Earth, half of the Moon is always lit by the Sun. Because of the positions of the Sun, the Moon, and Earth relative to each other, the Moon appears to change shape. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4ZHdzl6ZWg 

How are the Moon phases made?

The amount of reflected light from the Moon that is seen from Earth determines its phase. The changing shapes of the Moon are called phases. There are four main phases. The change in the Moon’s phases from new moon to new moon takes about four weeks, or 29 ½ days

New Moon

The entire half/side of the Moon facing Earth is dark.

Crescent Moon

A small section (less than a quarter moon) of the half/side of the Moon facing Earth is lit.

Quarter/Half Moon

Half of the side of the Moon facing Earth is lit and the other half is dark. The Moon appears as a half circle; there are two quarter-moon phases in the cycle. 

Full Moon

The entire half/side of the Moon facing Earth is lit and the Moon appears as a full circle.