Observe the Moon

Grades 3–5 · Student activity

Explain phases with viewpoint and distinguish a lunar eclipse.

Use this activity after the teacher-selected reading. Check your ideas against that source.

Try it your way

Tell your answer to a partner, draw on the student page, or write here. Someone can read the question and record your words.

Help me get started

“I notice ____. The source shows ____. I still need to check ____.”

You can point to the source while someone helps you say or write your answer.

My response My evidence or question to check

An oral response or a drawing counts too. You do not have to fill these boxes to join the activity.

Check my thinking

I can relate the visible sunlit portion to viewpoint and explain why phases are not Earth’s shadow.

Our view of the sunlit half changes as the Moon orbits; Earth’s shadow is the separate lunar-eclipse case.

This is a teacher-created example, not a quotation or the only possible answer. Compare it with the selected source and your own response.

What should I do next? I can explain it with evidence. I have part of an answer. I need help getting started.

Choose a next step with your teacher or partner. This activity does not grade your answer.