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Contributor: Victoria Surface. Lesson ID: 10502
Have you heard the saying, "He's just going through a phase"? The moon goes through phases, too. With videos, graphics, games, and calendars, learn about why the moon seems to change its face!
Step outside on a clear night, and you'll likely see a bright, shining object in the sky — the moon. The moon has fascinated people for ages, and there is so much more to it than meets the eye.
These changing shapes are known as moon phases, and they add an enchanting twist to our lunar companion. Explore the moon's mysteries, uncover the secrets behind its phases, and discover what makes it such a beautiful celestial body.
Get ready for an astronomical adventure that will leave you starry-eyed!
There is only one moon that orbits the earth.
As you explore the lunar cycle and the moon's phases, take notes on the Graphic Organizer – Notes found in the Downloadable Resources in the right-hand sidebar.
To get started, read What Are the Moon's Phases? and watch the video below.
Define these terms in your notes and then answer the questions that follow.
| new moon | waxing crescent | first quarter | waxing gibbous | |
| full moon | waning gibbous | third quarter | waning crescent |
Great work!
A NASA scientist has the answer in the following video!
NASA has the answer for that one too! Read about the Supermoon, Blood Moon, Blue Moon and Harvest Moon.
Add to your notes before moving on the next phase of this lesson in the Got It? section.
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