Moon Journal for Kids

A moon journal, or phases of the moon worksheet, is a fun way to get young kids interested in observing the sky and encourage scientific curiosity.

1. Pick a date, and check out the moon with your child each night.
2. Help your child shade the circles to record how the moon appeared that night.
3. Keep observing and recording until the sheet is complete.
4. Talk to your child about what the moon journal reveals. Ask your child what they notice. Do you see a pattern? Does the moon look like any of the moons at the bottom of the moon journal?

By charting the moon's phases with your child, you will help them develop observation skills. Your child will also learn how to record what they notice and practice sharing their research with you and others. Keeping a moon journal is also a great way for children to learn more about space!

As you and your child observe and record what you see on the moon journal, it's helpful to ask your child questions about what they notice. Here are some suggestions:

• Do we see the full moon tonight, or just part of it?
• What picture on the moon journal does the moon look like the most tonight?
• How does the moon tonight look different from what we saw last night?
• Do you notice a pattern in the moon shapes?
• What is happening to the moon as we continue to watch?