Activity: Moon Phases

Open Ended

Why does the moon have phases?

​This is the NEW MOON Phase

Open Ended

Explain why the new moon phase is difficult to observe from Earth.

​Waning Gibbous

​Waning Crescent

​Complete the Moon's orbit and you are back at New Moon again!

​Where does the light from the Moon that we see on Earth come from?

​It is reflected from the SUN

​What does waxing and waning mean?

Waxing means getting BIGGER and Waning means getting SMALLER

​Why don't you see the backside of the Moon?

The Moon ROTATES and REVOLVES at the same rate. The same side of the Moon is always facing our planet.

​How much of the Moon is illuminated at every phase?

The Sun illuminates one-half (1/2) of the Moon's surface

Multiple Choice

In the activity described, what does your head represent?

• The Earth

• The Sun

• The Moon

• A ball

Multiple Choice

During which moon phase do we see a banana-shaped sliver of light on the right side of the moon?

• Waxing Crescent

• New Moon

• First Quarter

• Full Moon

Multiple Select

Which of the following statements are true about the full moon phase?

• You can see the whole surface of the moon.

• The Earth is between the Sun and the Moon.

• It occurs after the waxing gibbous phase.

• It is followed by the waning gibbous phase.

Multiple Choice

Which moon phase is shown when the light is on the left side and half of the moon is lit?

• Waning Crescent

• Third Quarter

• First Quarter

• Full Moon

Multiple Select

Which of the following moon phases have the lighted portion on the left side of the Moon?

• Waning Crescent

• Third Quarter

• Waxing Crescent

• Full Moon

Multiple Choice

Which phase of the moon is necessary for a solar eclipse to occur?

• Full Moon

• New Moon

• First Quarter

• Last Quarter

Multiple Choice

Which of the following best describes the alignment during a lunar eclipse?

• Sun, Moon, Earth

• Earth, Sun, Moon

• Sun, Earth, Moon

• Moon, Earth, Sun