Make a Moon Flipbook
Make a flipbook to show the phases of the Moon.
Overview
Have you ever wondered why the Moon seems to be different shapes on different nights? Make this flipbook to track the Moon phases over a month using a print out, scissors and staples, tape or a clip.
This page will print, but might not look great. Click the button above for a PDF print-friendly version.
What to do
Step 1
Before you start, you might want to listen to this story called Moon -Night Time Around the World by Britta Teckentrup. It takes us on a journey around the world, showing us what animals get up to in the moonlight. It has lovely peek-through pages which show the different shapes of the moon over a month.
Step 2
Print out the flip book template. Cut carefully along the dotted lines.
Step 3
Order the pages, then place them on top of each other, number 1 on top.
Step 4
Clip them together with a binder clip, staples or tape. If you flip the pages quickly, you will see the Moon changing shape. On a clear night, you can look at the Moon and match it to the phase in your book.
Things to discuss
- Can you describe the shape of the Moon on each page of the flip book?
- What happens to the shape of the Moon? Can you spot a pattern?
- What do you think waxing means?
- What do you think waning means?
Did you know…?
The Moon doesn’t produce it’s own light- it reflects light from the Sun.
How it works
It takes our Moon 27 days to orbit the Earth. The Moon looks like it is different shapes over a month because we see different parts of it lit up by the Sun. The video below shows this really clearly.
Did you know…?
You will see the same phase of the Moon on the same night no matter where you are in the world!
A New Moon is when the face pointing towards us is hidden from the Sun so we can hardly see it at all.
When the Moon looks like it is getting bigger, it’s called waxing.
A Full Moon is when the face of the Moon is fully turned towards the Sun and we see it all.
As the Moon moves around the Earth, the face pointing towards us gradually becomes hidden from the Sun. It looks like it’s getting smaller. This is called waning.
Other things to try
Make an Earth, Sun and Moon model
It takes our Moon 27 days to orbit our Earth. It takes our Earth 365 days to orbit our Sun! Print out this model then cut out the Earth, Sun and Moon. Next cut out the two linking arms. Finally, use paper fasteners to join the linking arms to the Earth, Moon and Sun.
Take a tour of the Moon!
Have you ever wanted to go to the Moon? Watch the video below to find out what it would be like.
What you’ll need
- A Moon flipbook print out
- Scissors
- A strong clip, stapler or tape to stick the pages together
Duration
20 minutes or so.
Suitable for…
Age 3 and up.
Safety notes
You know your children better than anyone, and you should judge whether they’re ready for this activity. You might want to think in particular about:
- Supervision: the activity involves small parts, so there’s a choke hazard.
- Watch small children with sharp scissors.
Careers Link: The Lunar Scientist
Lunar scientists study the science of the moon, where it came from, how it evolved and what it is made of. They also research how humans can live on the moon, mapping the surface and investigating how it will be possible to survive there.
Attributes: observant, curious and open-minded.
