OUR MOON

Model the Phases of the Moon

Materials you need are:

a basketball

a torch with a round face

a friend (optional)

Use the diagram below as a guide. Find a round light on a wall, or have another person hold a torch. Stand with a ball such a basketball in front of the light. The ball should be between the viewer and the light. Hold it up at shoulder height. The part of the ball that the viewer sees will be completely in shadow (This is New Moon).

Slowly turn clockwise on the spot 90 degrees. Only the left half of the ball is lit (This is First Quarter).

Turn another 90 degrees clockwise and the viewer should see all of the ball on their side lit (this is Full Moon).

Turn 90 degrees again and the viewer should see the right side of the ball lit (This is Last Quarter).