What is happening here?

These are called “phases of the moon” These are called “phases of the moon”. Every night the moon looks a bit different from the last. The moon moves through the phases in the same order every time – and they each have a different name. (Write only the underlined words)

The 1st phase is called a new moon The 1st phase is called a new moon. During a new moon, you cannot see the moon easily at all. The Earth is casting a shadow on the entire moon during this time so there is no sunlight hitting it. (Write only the underlined words)

The night after the new moon, you will start to see a little sliver……

This 2nd phase is called a waxing crescent This 2nd phase is called a waxing crescent. The moon will be getting bigger now – that is what waxing means. Crescent means that less than half of the moon is visible.

The 3rd phase is called a first quarter The 3rd phase is called a first quarter. Half of the moon is lit up in this phase. It is the RIGHT side.

The 4th phase is called a waxing gibbous The 4th phase is called a waxing gibbous. Gibbous means that more than half of the moon is lit up. Do you remember what waxing means?

The 5th phase is called a full moon. The entire moon is lit up.

The 6th phase is a waning gibbous The 6th phase is a waning gibbous. Waning means that the moon is getting smaller. Do you remember what gibbous means?

The 7th phase is called a third quarter The 7th phase is called a third quarter. During this phase the left half of the moon is lit up.

The 8th phase of the moon is called a waning crescent.

When the moon is going from new moon to a full moon, it is being BORN. There is an easy way to remember which side of the moon is lit up then….

When the moon is going from full moon to a new moon, it is DYING. There is an easy way to remember which side of the moon is lit up then….