Introduction
Students will have a great time learning about the phases of the moon as we embark on our Astronomy Unit. We will begin with the basic facts about the moon, recognize the moon phases in pictures, read books about the moon, and then create a model of the phases of the moon usising Oreo cookies.
Task
Overview:
Students will recreate the lunar phases of the moon using the frosting from Oreo cookies.
Objective:
The students will:
- Accurately model the shape of the Moon's phases using Oreo cookies.
-Place the Phases in order.
Process
1. Invite the students to describe what the Moon looks like, and how it changes shapes.
2. Explain to the students that they will be using Oreo® cookies to draw the phases and to put them into order. Demonstrate how to twist and open a cookie so that the frosting is all on one side. Which side looks like the Full Moon? Which side looks like the New Moon?
3. Pass out 6 cookies, a paper towel, a plastic spoon or knife, and a copy of the student handout to each student.. Each cookie should be able to make two Moon phases, but some will break, and some of the frosting will go “missing.”
4. Invite the students to twist their cookies open and scrape the Oreo® cookies to illustrate Moon phases, and ask them to arrange cookies on the poster in order.
5. Check on the students’ progress and invite them to clean up by eating their work!
Evaluation
Conclusion
After students comlete the phases of the Moon using the Oreo cookies I will ask the students to share thier work. I will then hand out extra Oreo cookies to the students so they can have a little snack.
Credits
Teacher Page
Classroom Extensions:
1. Classrooms that enjoy singing might want to try “Phrases for Phases” or “When the light is on the right”
(sung to the tune of ”If you’re happy and you know it”):
When the light is on the right it’s getting bright (snap, snap)
When the light is on the right it’s getting bright (snap, snap)
When the light is on the right, Then the Moon is getting bright When the light is on the right it’s getting bright (snap, snap)
2. Conduct a Moon phases observing activity, in which the students record their Moon observations.