26 Ways to Bring Lunar Science into Your Classroom

The moon is a constant celestial companion in classrooms around the world. Lunar phenomena have much to offer teachers as both an engaging narrative and visible presence in the sky that students have personally experienced.

NASA Planetary Geologist and Space Educator, Andrea Jones, knows firsthand the opportunities that the moon holds for teachers. “Right now, we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo program. We have an international fleet of robotic lunar explorers that are reshaping what we thought we knew about the moon, and we are preparing to return with people. It’s a great time for the moon, and a great time to bring the moon into every classroom!”

Take Your Students on Virtual Field Trips
Find a curated list of media-rich and interactive resources from PBS LearningMedia (scroll further down this post) and NASA— there’s something for every K-12 teacher. Use these resources as a tool for modeling, visualization, discussion, scaffolding, and data collection and analysis. Whether your students have never heard about the Apollo missions, or you happen to have a picture of the moon somewhere on your classroom wall, consider bringing some of these moon themed-resources and connections into your instruction!

Celebrate International Observe the Moon Night 
A great place to kick-off your exploration or a unit about the moon is on International Observe the Moon Night: a global celebration of lunar science and exploration, celestial observing, and our cultural and personal connections to the moon. One day a year, everyone is invited to go out and look, learn, and celebrate the moon in some way. The next one is Saturday, October 4, 2025. 

Everyone can get in on this celebration. Use the excitement to unite around the lunar theme, and then use the momentum and the resources below to engage your students and school with the narratives of the moon. 

For schools that wish to host International Observe the Moon Night events, the program website includes an event planning guidewith tips, promotional materials, and links to connect with local partners (such as a local astronomy club or NASA Solar System Ambassador, should you want community support). Each event can be unique: you should plan yours to fit the needs, interests, and resources available to your school. It can either be public (so anyone can join you) or private (your address will not be shared).

For more information, event materials, and activities, visit moon.nasa.gov/observe. 

Of course, the moon can and should be studied and observed any time of year. To aid you in your planning, check out the extensive array of resources outlined below!

Observing the Moon: Phenomena of the Earth-Moon-Sun System
As someone who taught astronomy for many years in New York City, I understand the challenge of supporting students in making observations of the moon (or any celestial phenomena!) It might be easily visible in the sky, but the patterns demand observations at night and over a period of time that may be difficult to sustain. The following media resources enable active student engagement in observing patterns over time of the moon in the sky — day and night — for students of all ages.

• Interactive Storybook: EEP Observes the Moon (interactive, grades K-2)
• Observe the Moon in the Sky (interactive, grades K-2)
• Views from Moonrise to Moonset (media gallery, grades K-5)
• Explore Moon Phase and Libration Using NASA’s Science Visualization Studio (media gallery, grades 6-8) 
• Make a Moon Observation Journal | Ready Jet Go!(document, grades K-2)

Observing Patterns and Modeling
Key science practices that pair with moon phenomena are observing patterns and making and using models. With younger students, focus on making observations to describe patterns. Older students can also start with pattern recognition, and then use models of the Earth-Sun-Moon system to make predictions and explanations. Manipulating their own models allows students to discover for themselves how moon phases, and eclipses, work. Teaching phases and eclipses together helps address student misconceptions about these concepts more effectively than teaching them in isolation.

Moon Phases 

• Explore Patterns in the Moon’s Changing Appearance (simulation/model, grades K-2)
• Moon Phase Simulation Viewed from Earth and Space (interactive, grades K-8); associated lesson plan
• View a Lunar Phase Simulation(interactive, grades 6-8)
• What Causes the Moon’s Phases? (lesson plan, grades 6-8)

Lunar Eclipses

• Observe a Total Lunar Eclipse(media gallery, grades 6-8)
• Lunar Eclipses Explained(media gallery, grades 6-8)
• View Shadows and Eclipses in Space (video, grades 3-8)

Engineering a (Lunar) Landing
Landing astronauts safely on the moon and returning them to Earth is still one of the most amazing (engineering) feats in human history.

• Take a Journey to the Moon(video, grades K-2)
• Sign Up for Space Camp | Mission Control Digital Short(video, grades 3-8)
• Finding Water on the Lunar Surface (media gallery, grades 6-8) 

A Story of Human Exploration
The Apollo program was a fantastic achievement of humanity, and one that connected and inspired people around the world. Robotic lunar explorers build on this legacy today, and preparations are underway to send people back to the moon through NASA’s Artemis program. These resources examine the history and humanity of this global endeavor. 

• Almost everyone has a memory with the moon in it. Students’ parents, grandparents, neighbors, or teachers might have memories of the Apollo Moon landings. Encourage your students to find out about these memories, and listen to others shared with NASA. (video, grades 6-12) 
• Explore the Moon Memories Collection (collection, grades 6-12) 
• Learn About the Extreme Temperatures on the Moon | NOVA(video, grades 6-12)
• The Road to Apollo: An Interactive Journey(interactive, grades 6-12)

Lunar Science and Geology
Over 60 years ago, the Apollo missions began a new era of lunar science. 382 kilograms (842 pounds) of moon rocks were gathered and returned to Earth and the first scientist (a geologist!) walked on the moon. Through new sensors and imaging technologies, we continue to see new and amazing views of our closest celestial neighbor. We are building on the legacy of Apollo, reshaping our understanding of our nearest celestial neighbor, and preparing to safely land the next astronauts on the moon in areas of rich scientific interest. We’ve found evidence of recent volcanism, a shrinking moon, many new impact craters, and multiple lines of evidence for water on the moon (particularly at the poles). The following resources help bring these up-close and dynamic views and data from the moon into your Earth and space science instruction.

• Go on a Moon Trek with NASA
• Evolution of the Moon Visualized(video, grades 9-12)
• Explore Moon and Earth Formation(interactive lesson and associated lesson plan, grades 9-12)
• Take a Tour of the Moon (video, grades 6-12) 

“Making” and the Moon: Art and STEAM Activities
Art and science are deeply intertwined. Images and datasets that help us learn about the moon — and everything in the universe — can be both scientifically rich and stunningly beautiful. Art can inspire science and science can inspire art. Art can make scientific information easier to understand and provide different pathways to connect with scientific phenomena.

• 3D Print the Moon with NASA
• Make Models of Moon Craters(video, grades 3-5)
• Science Crafts for Kids: Moon Rock | Ready Jet Go! (media gallery, grades K-2)