Phases of The Moon

In order to understand the lunar calender we must first understand the phases of the moon. In our classroom we have been reading many books about the moon. We have studied why the moon looks like it changes shape by using a flashlight, a globe, and a model moon. We have also learned to name the phases of the moon and practice this in our phases of the moon work.

The cycle begins with a new moon.
When the moon looks like it is growing we say it is in a waxing phase.

From the new moon it continues to grow into a

Waxing Crescent, Waxing Half Moon, Waxing Gibbous, and finally reaches a Full Moon.

When the moon looks like it is shrinking we say it is a waning phase.

From the Full Moon in continues to shrink into a

Waning Gibbous Moon, Waning Half Moon Moon, and Waning Crescent Moon.

FYI: Gibbous is derived from a Latin word that means oval.