Here is the answer to your question Mrs Tibbits..

The moon changes shape throughout the month because of the Phases of The Moon. These are all to do with the relationship between the Sun, the Earth and the Moon…

( We made these models using Oreo Cookies to help us explain the process … It was a tough job but we managed it !)

Is it waxing or waning?

Is it a crescent or gibbous?

Miss Coleman is very proud of how well we cooperated to create out models to explain the phases of the moon.

The reason for the different shapes of the moon is all to do with the relationship between the Sun, the Earth and the Moon.

The orbit of the moon around the Earth makes the moon appear as if it is changing shape. However, it is simply illuminated because it reflects the light from the sun.

The amount of moon we see on the Earth depends on how much of it is lit up by the Sun. This is called the “Phases of The Moon”.  There are 8 phases.

The phase of the moon we see depends upon it’s position in relation to the Sun and the Earth. Check out our previous blog to understand this better!