Our World: Moon Phases

What causes the phases of the Moon? From New Moon to Full Moon, the Earth-Sun-Moon system is responsible for the Moon's changing phases. Learn more about rotation, revolution and this repeatable pattern using NASA animations.

Background Information

Grades K through 5

• Lunar and Planetary Institute The Myths, the Magic, and the Mysteries of the Universe
• Lunary and Planetary Institute Moon Posters
• NASA About the Moon
• NASA Earth's Moon
• NASA The Moon

Activities

Grades K through 5

• Lunar and Planetary Institute Lunar Phases - A Dance Under the Sun
• Lunar and Planetary Institute Paper Plate Phases - Modeling Lunar Cycles
• Lunary and Planetary Institute Facing the Moon
• Lunary and Planetary Institute Penny Moon
• NASA Earth's Moon
• NASA Earth's Moon: Our Natural Satellite
• NASA Forward to the Moon Explorer Activities
• NASA Moon Phase and Libration 2020
• NASA Moon Phases Calendar and Calculator
• NASA Tour of Earth's Moon 4K
• SpacePlace The Moon's Phases in Oreos

Grades K through 8

• NASA Build Your Own Cutout Moon
• NASA Earth's Moon Toolkit