Phases of the moon / Lesson Plan

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Objective

By the end of this lesson, the preschool student will be able to identify and describe the different phases of the moon.

Materials and Prep

  • Flashlight
  • Small ball or globe
  • Dark room or area
  • Whiteboard or large paper
  • Marker or chalk

No prior knowledge is required for this lesson.

Activities

  1. Begin by introducing the concept of the phases of the moon to the student. Use the ball or globe to represent the moon and the flashlight to represent the sun.

    Explain that the moon does not produce its own light, but reflects the light of the sun. Demonstrate this by shining the flashlight on the ball or globe.

  2. Take the student to a dark room or area where they can observe the moon phases more clearly.

    Using the flashlight and ball or globe, show the student how the position of the moon changes as it orbits the Earth. Emphasize that only the part of the moon facing the sun is illuminated, while the other part remains dark.

  3. Draw a large circle on the whiteboard or paper to represent the Earth. Use the marker or chalk to mark different phases of the moon around the circle.

    Ask the student to identify each phase and explain what they understand about it. Encourage them to use their own words and observations.

Preschool Grade Talking Points

  • "The moon is a special thing in the sky that changes its shape."
  • "The moon doesn't make its own light, it reflects the light from the sun."
  • "Sometimes we can see the whole moon, and sometimes only part of it."
  • "The different shapes of the moon are called phases."
  • "The moon goes through different phases because it moves around the Earth."
  • "We can draw the different phases of the moon to help us understand them better."
  • "When we look at the moon, we can see different shapes like a crescent or a full circle."
  • "Can you tell me what shape the moon is today? Is it a crescent, a half-moon, or a full moon?"