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Phases of the Moon KS2

Teach your KS2 class about the phases of the moon with this ready-to-teach lesson. This lesson will guide your class through identifying and naming the eight different phases of the Moon and will help them correctly match and order the phases in their independent work.

This phases of the moon KS2 Science lesson includes:

  • a detailed lesson plan with differentiated activities
  • a slideshow for the teaching input
  • a range of printable resources for independent learning activities

This lesson is part of a Earth and Space Science scheme of work for Year 5.

Phases of the Moon KS2 Lesson Pack

£2.99

Scroll through the pictures for a preview of the lesson's resources:

Phases of the Moon KS2 Slideshow Teaching Input
Phases of the Moon KS2 Slideshow Teaching Input
Phases of the Moon KS2 Slideshow Teaching Input
Phases of the Moon KS2 Slideshow Teaching Input
Phases of the Moon KS2 Slideshow Teaching Input
Phases of the Moon KS2 worksheet activity
Phases of the Moon KS2 activity worksheet
Phases of the Moon KS2 activity worksheet
The Moon Refects Sunlight

Phases of the Moon Facts

Ever looked up at the night sky and wondered why the moon seems to change shape? One night it’s a glowing crescent, and a few days later, it’s a bright, full circle. As the moon orbits the earth, the way we see the moon changes. These changes are called the phases of the moon, and they’re not just magical—they’re a result of how the moon orbits the Earth and reflects sunlight. Read on so that the next time you spot the moon changing shape, you’ll know exactly why!

What are the different phases of the moon?

The moon doesn’t produce its own light—it reflects sunlight! This means the moon doesn’t actually change shape. What we see is the part of the moon that is lit by the sun. As the moon orbits the Earth, we observe different amounts of the moon's lit surface, giving us the different phases of the moon.

The moon’s phases change in a regular cycle, from fully lit (called a Full Moon) to completely in shadow (called a New Moon), and back again. This cycle takes about 28 days to complete, often called a lunar month.

There are eight main phases of the moon:

  1. New Moon
  2. Waxing Crescent
  3. First Quarter
  4. Waxing Gibbous
  5. Full Moon
  6. Waning Gibbous
  7. Last Quarter
  8. Waning Crescent

These phases repeat as the moon continues its orbit around Earth, giving us a different view of the moon throughout the month.

Why do the Phases of the Moon matter?

The phases of the moon have fascinated people for centuries, not just because they’re beautiful but because they help mark time. Ancient cultures used the moon to track months and seasons and decide when to plant and harvest crops. Even today, farmers, fishermen, and people who love stargazing pay attention to the lunar cycle.

How to see the Phases of the Moon

You don’t need any fancy equipment to enjoy the moon phases: just step outside and look up! If you want to track the moon’s cycle more closely, there are plenty of moon phase apps or calendars that can tell you exactly when the next full moon or new moon will be.

 

Galileo Galilei astronomer Aristotle Philsopher Phases of the Moon

Galileo Galilei confirmed that the moon was a reflective body in the 17th century with the help of a telescope. However, the idea that the moon reflected sunlight dates back to ancient Greek Philosphers, including Aristotle.