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I am currently writing a lesson plan on the phases of the moon for fourth grade. Within the lesson, I am trying to find an engaging way to hook students, but am having trouble coming up with an engaging, fun way to introduce the phases to students. Any ideas? Thanks!

Hi Rachel,
There seems to be a lot of interest in moon phases this week! After all, I guess it was the full moon last week. Maybe that explains it!

Anyway, rather than go into a lot of discussion here, I would like to suggest that you take a look at the discussion posted here: http://learningcenter.nsta.org/discuss/default.aspx?tid=uDDCQYwyJgQ_E#35445. There is a really good discussion underway at that site.

Good luck with the lesson plan!

Thank you so much, Jennifer. I will check the thread. Thanks for your time. -Rachel

An interesting part of moon phases is the importance of the phases in different cultures. Multiple languages and cultures have specific words for the moon phases, which represent different parts of the subsistence cultures of indigenous peoples. If you have a multicultural classroom, it might be interesting to bring in what the moon phases represent to different peoples.

I find that the best way to engage your students into any lesson, regardless of the grade level, is to start with the classic Oreo cookie moon phase activity. It may seem a little childish at a 4th grade level, but I'm sure any kid can appreciate a little snack motivation. I just did the activity with my Kindergarten kids, and they loved it. It seems to me that starting off a lesson with a fun activity is always guaranteed to get the kids engaged.

I find that the best way to engage your students into any lesson, regardless of the grade level, is to start with the classic Oreo cookie moon phase activity. It may seem a little childish at a 4th grade level, but I'm sure any kid can appreciate a little snack motivation. I just did the activity with my Kindergarten kids, and they loved it. It seems to me that starting off a lesson with a fun activity is always guaranteed to get the kids engaged.

Rachel, The lesson i did for moon phases was simple and engaging for 8th graders because it dealt with Oreos, or any other type of cookies that you can separate and carve the cream section. If you do an overview of the moon phases prior to the Oreo lesson, you can assess whether or not your students paid attention or took good notes/drawings by whether or not they can recreate the different phases of the moon on their Oreo's. All you need is plates, a spoon or plastic knife to carve and cookies.