To solve this worksheet, we need to name the eight phases of the moon in the correct order. The arrows on the worksheet show that the moon moves in a
counter-clockwise direction around the Earth.
Here is the step-by-step logic to fill in the boxes:
1.
Start at the Top: In most diagrams, the cycle begins at the top position (12 o'clock). This phase is when the moon is completely dark because it is between the Earth and the Sun.
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Top Box: New Moon
2.
Move Counter-Clockwise (to the left/top-left): As the moon moves, we start to see a small sliver of light on the right side. It looks like the letter 'D'.
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Top-Left Box: Waxing Crescent
3.
Continue Left (9 o'clock): Now, exactly half of the moon is lit up on the right side.
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Left Box: First Quarter
4.
Move to Bottom-Left: More than half of the moon is lit up, but it's not full yet. It looks like an egg shape.
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Bottom-Left Box: Waxing Gibbous
5.
Move to the Bottom (6 o'clock): The entire face of the moon is lit up. It is a bright, full circle.
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Bottom Box: Full Moon
6.
Move to Bottom-Right: The light starts to shrink (wane). It is still mostly lit, but a shadow appears on the right side.
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Bottom-Right Box: Waning Gibbous
7.
Continue Right (3 o'clock): Exactly half of the moon is lit up again, but this time it is the left side. It looks like the letter 'C'.
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Right Box: Third Quarter (also called Last Quarter)
8.
Move to Top-Right: Only a small sliver of light remains on the left side before it goes dark again.
*
Top-Right Box: Waning Crescent
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Final Answer:
Starting from the
top box and going
counter-clockwise (following the arrows to the left), here are the names for each phase:
1.
Top: New Moon
2.
Top-Left: Waxing Crescent
3.
Left: First Quarter
4.
Bottom-Left: Waxing Gibbous
5.
Bottom: Full Moon
6.
Bottom-Right: Waning Gibbous
7.
Right: Third Quarter
8.
Top-Right: Waning Crescent
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of moon phases worksheet for kids.
