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Astronomy Year / Week 02 / Sky Night
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Week 02 · The Moon Changes

Sky Night

Sky Night: first moon box
// Moon shapes and a moon log
⏱ about 15 min

Sky Night: First moon box

Rocket, Raven and Nova step outside with a grown-up.

"Where is the Moon?" Rocket asks, turning around.

Raven scans the sky. "What do you notice? Is it high or low?"

Nova glows red. "Hint: if you cannot find it, that is a clue too."

  1. The Moon reflects sunlight.
  2. The lit part we see is called a phase.
  3. Waxing means growing. Waning means shrinking.
  4. A moon log helps us find patterns.
Safety first
Go outside only with a grown-up.
Stay near home in a safe, open spot.
Use a red light, not a white one.
Watch your step in the dark.

Your Sky Night mission

  1. Go out after dark with your grown-up.
  2. Look all around for the Moon.
  3. Draw its shape in box 1 of your log.
  4. Say if it is high or low in the sky.
  5. Look again tomorrow night if you can.
Moon logWhat I saw
Night 1 shape
High or low?
Night 2 shape
Night 3 shape
SKY NIGHT CHECK
  • Read the question.
  • Tap your answer.
The lit part is a thin curve. What phase is it?
You cannot find the Moon tonight. What do you write?
Cloudy night?
Make Moon phase cards instead.
Draw eight circles on paper.
Shade each one to show a different phase.
Put them in order from new moon to full moon and back.
◇ MOON TALK WITH YOUR GROWN-UP
Take turns naming the phase you see.
Guess together: will the lit part grow or shrink?
Check your guess on the next clear night.

Box 1 is done! Keep your log going. Next week we predict the full moon.

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