Explaining the Moon’s Phases and Surface Features for Middle Schoolers
Introduction: Why Does the Moon Look Different Every Night?
In a 7th-grade classroom, a student once asked, “Why does the Moon change shape?” This question opens the door to an engaging lesson on Moon phases and its fascinating surface.
From waxing crescents to full moons and back again, the Moon’s changing appearance is a result of its orbit and how sunlight reflects off its surface. However, many students struggle to visualize this process—making it the perfect topic for a visual and interactive approach.
JoVE’s standards-aligned videos simplify complex concepts like lunar phases and surface features, making them easier for middle school students to understand and remember.
Why Does the Moon Have Phases?
Understanding Moon phases starts with recognizing that the Moon doesn’t actually change shape—it’s all about how much sunlight we see from Earth as it moves in its orbit.
Moon Orbit and Illumination
The Moon completes one orbit around Earth approximately every 29.5 days. During this time, different portions of its sunlit half are visible, giving us:
- New Moon
- Waxing Crescent
- First Quarter
- Waxing Gibbous
- Full Moon
- Waning Gibbous
- Last Quarter
- Waning Crescent
🎥 Watch JoVE’s Moon Lesson to see this process animated with clarity and precision.
Classroom Activity — Modeling the Moon’s Phases
Hands-on learning deepens understanding. This flashlight-and-foam-ball model allows students to simulate Moon phases and see light and shadow in real time.
Before the activity, explain that models help make distant and complex systems—like the Earth-Moon-Sun relationship—easier to grasp.
Materials Needed
- Small white foam ball (Moon)
- Pencil or stick
- Lamp or flashlight (Sun)
- Dark room
- Notebook for observations
Activity Steps
- Attach the foam ball to the pencil for easy rotation.
- In a darkened room, place a lamp in the center as the “Sun.”
- Students walk in a circle around the lamp holding the “Moon” and observe how the light changes.
- Students record and label each phase observed.
Exploring the Moon’s Surface Features
Aside from its changing shape, the Moon has intriguing surface characteristics that tell stories about its formation and history.
What’s on the Moon’s Surface?
- Craters: Created by asteroid and meteoroid impacts
- Maria: Dark, flat plains formed by ancient volcanic eruptions
- Highlands: Elevated, lighter-colored areas composed of older rocks
Common Misconceptions About the Moon
Middle schoolers often arrive with persistent misconceptions about the Moon. Addressing these early makes for clearer scientific understanding.
H3: Debunking Lunar Myths
❌ The Moon generates its own light.
✅ It reflects sunlight from the Sun.
❌ The far side of the Moon is always dark.
✅ It gets sunlight too—we just never see it from Earth.
❌ Craters are volcanic in origin.
✅ Most result from impacts by space debris.
JoVE’s visuals help replace myths with accurate representations that middle schoolers can understand and remember.
Connecting Moon Phases to Earth Science Lessons
Lunar science fits perfectly into broader Earth science concepts, such as tides and eclipses.
Why It Matters
- Tides: Caused by the Moon’s gravitational pull on Earth’s oceans
- Eclipses: Happen when the Moon or Earth blocks sunlight in specific alignments
Conclusion — Let Your Science Lessons Shine Bright
Explaining the Moon’s phases and surface features doesn’t have to be challenging. With JoVE’s visual and interactive science content, middle school educators can make lunar lessons unforgettable.
