Phases of the moon

For this unit, we are studying the moon and solar system. In this unit, we will be talking about how our views of the moon change as it goes through different phases as it orbits around the earth. This refers to TEKS Science Grade 7-13b.

The phases are the moon are "cyclic," meaning that it orbits regularly around the earth. In class, we learned that the moon orbits around the earth once every 29 days. During that time, we see the moon differently because of the way the sunlight hits the moon.

We also learned about the different 8 cyclic phases of the moon. Let's review those phases and some key terms, and then you can get to playing some fun games!

• New moon- this is the first phase of the moon. In this phase, the moon is directly between the sun and the earth, so we only see the unlit side of the moon from here on the earth.
• Waxing Crescent- less than half of the moon is lit up by direct sunlight. The part of the moon that is lit up is increasing, or going to be bigger for the next phase.
• First Quarter- during the first quarter phase, more of the moon is hit by direct sunlight. So, we see one half of the moon since it is lit by the sun.
• Waxing Gibbous- "Gibbous" means more than half, but less than fully illuminated (lit up). So, in the case of this phase of the moon, more than half of the moon would appear to be lit up, but it would still not be fully lit by the sun.
• Full Moon- The side of the moon that is facing the earth is in full sunlight, so we see the full moon from here on the earth.
• Waning Gibbous- more than half of the moon is lit by the sun, but this time, the part that is illuminated is decreasing.
• Last Quarter- half of the moon looks like it is lit up by the sun, but again, the part that is illuminated is decreasing.
• Waning Crescent- less than half of the moon is illuminated by the sun, and the part that is lit up is decreasing.

To see a chart of the moon phases for the millinium, go to this NASA site!

Now, let's play some games that will help you get familiar with the phases of the moon! In this game, be sure to think carefully about which phase belongs in what spot!

For this game, put the phases of the moon in order!

Ok, one more game to help you really get the names of the phases down!