Moon Phases Teaching Activities for Kids in 4th, 5th and 6th Grade

Exploring the phases of the moon is an exciting and engaging way to teach students about the natural world. Students are naturally curious about the moon. Why is it sometimes big? Why is it sometimes smaller or a different shape? This post provides eight engaging moon phase activities that are perfect for 4th, 5th, and 6th graders. Whether you’re looking for interactive science experiments, creative crafts, or multimedia resources, you’ll find valuable ideas to enrich your science lessons.

Preparation Tip: Before beginning the unit, consider having your students create a moon log in their science journals. Have them write and draw a picture of what they see each night, or take photographs if possible. This simple routine builds observational skills and sets the stage for deeper learning.

1. Moon Phases Video

Start by sparking curiosity with a short video. PBS Digital Students offers a 10-minute video where Phil explains the causes and phases of the moon. Use this video to introduce the topic or reinforce concepts after a lesson. Follow up with a discussion about what students learned or still wonder about the moon phases. Consider using a KWL chart to capture their thoughts.

2. Phases of the Moon Classroom Experiment for Kids

Hands-on learning makes concepts stick! In this science classroom experiment, students will model the moon’s phases by acting them out. You’ll need a large Styrofoam ball (to represent the moon) and a light source, like a lamp (to represent the sun). This activity works well in science centers or as a whole-group demonstration. Encourage students to record their observations and draw the phases as they see them during the experiment.

3. Moon Matching Game

Reinforce what students have learned with a matching game where they pair moon phase names with images. This game is available online and can be used as a center activity or a quick assessment tool. Students can work individually or in pairs to encourage collaboration.

4. Moon Phases Rap

Music can make memorization fun! Introduce students to a Moon Phases Rap that breaks down the phases with catchy lyrics. Play it during transitions or as a brain break to reinforce vocabulary. Challenge students to create their own moon phases song or chant!

5. Moon Phases with Oreos

Bring science into snack time by creating moon phases with Oreo cookies! These allergy-sensitive treats make it easy to sculpt each phase by scraping off the cream. This activity is not only memorable but also a tasty way to learn. Use a graphic organizer to have students record the name and appearance of each phase they create.

Click the picture to see 2 moon phases crafts.

6. Moon Phase Viewer Craftivity

Let your students make their own moon phase viewer. This hands-on craft is a great way to visualize how the moon’s appearance changes. Watch the step-by-step instructional video to guide your students through the process. Students can use their viewers at home to track the moon’s phases throughout the month. Click HERE. 

7. StoryJumper Online Book 

Reading and science combine with StoryJumper’s interactive book about moon phases. Have students read independently or in small groups. Follow up with a comprehension activity, such as summarizing the key points or illustrating their favorite part.

8. Moon Phases Card Sort Challenge

Challenge your students to practice identifying and ordering the moon phases with a card sorting activity. Provide students with cards that display images and names of each phase. In pairs or small groups, students work together to match the correct name to the image and put the phases in the correct order. This interactive activity is great for cooperative learning and reinforces both vocabulary and conceptual understanding. Note: You could also use these blocks found in my Amazon Affiliate Store:

Uncle Goose Moon Phase Blocks - Made in The USA

BONUS ACTIVITY #1: Moon Phases Crossword Puzzle for Kids

Assess students’ understanding with a printable crossword puzzle that covers moon phase vocabulary and concepts. This is great for morning work, homework, or an exit ticket. Encourage students to complete the puzzle with a partner to support peer learning. Click HERE to download and print.

BONUS ACTIVITY #2: Phases of the Moon Interactive Science Notebook

Wrap up the unit with a cut-and-paste interactive notebook activity. Students will match moon phase definitions with pictures, reinforcing their knowledge through hands-on practice. Include reflection questions in the notebook, like "What surprised you about the phases of the moon?" Click HERE to download and print.

Teaching about the moon phases doesn’t have to be complex or time-consuming. These engaging, hands-on activities will not only boost students’ understanding but also their enthusiasm for science. Integrate these ideas into your unit to help your students master the phases of the moon while having fun!

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Check out this fun teacher shirt from my Amazon Associate Store. It is perfect for this unit!

Just A Phase Moon Shirt Lunar Space Gift T-Shirt

(This comes in lots of colors!)

Shelly Anton is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. ** This means there are Amazon affiliate links in these blog posts. This does not mean you pay a dime more when you purchase a product through the link. It just means I am trying to save you valuable teacher time by making it easier for you to find valuable resources for your students, and I earn a few cents for my research and time. Thank you for all you do for kids!


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