Grade 1 science · D.4 · Earth and space
Moon phases in order
The moon goes through phases: it starts dark (new), grows bright (waxing), becomes full, then shrinks (waning) back to dark again. This cycle repeats every month.
See worked examples
In science class, Eli asks: What comes after new moon in the moon's cycle?
- Dark moon
- New moon again
- Waxing crescent (right)
Nora wonders: What happens when the moon is not visible at all?
- Half moon
- New moon (right)
- Full moon
In science class, Ines asks: After full moon, what happens to the moon's light?
- It turns red
- It stays full
- It starts to get smaller (right)
Tip: The moon goes through phases: it starts dark (new), grows bright (waxing), becomes full, then shrinks (waning) back to dark again. This cycle repeats every month.
Print a worksheet of this skill New questions and an answer key, free.
Up next
- Next in this topic Star patterns Grade 1
- Ready for more Land changes Grade 2
- Need a warm-up? What a shelter does Kindergarten
Learn it hands-on
- Stars and the Night Sky Grades 3–6 · printable lessons
- Light and Shadows Grades K–2 · printable lessons
Practice without limits
Members practice as much as they like, every day, and get the printable packs and lessons too.