Why does the moon appear to change its shape at different times in the month?

Why does the moon appear to change its shape at different times in the month?

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Explain that moon orbits the Earth, and takes one month to travel all the way round, demonstrate using balls to show moon orbit.

Explain that moon orbits the Earth, and takes one month to travel all the way round, demonstrate using balls to show moon orbit.

Explain that it depends on where the moon is in the cycle as to how much you see of the light and shade

Explain that it depends on where the moon is in the cycle as to how much you see of the light and shade

1. Put a mug in the middle of a table and ask each person sitting round table to draw it – should get 4 different perspectives

1. Put a mug in the middle of a table and ask each person sitting round table to draw it – should get 4 different perspectives

2. Repeat with ball with torch shining on it to create light half/ dark half – should get the four main phases of the moon – new, full, 1st and last quarters

3. Get children to put their drawing on board or hang on washing line in order

3. Get children to put their drawing on board or hang on washing line in order

Photo credit: Woodlands Junior Schoolhttp://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/time/moon/times.html

http://www.delicious.com/jobadge/moon

Sites used for research