When observing the night sky we notice that the Moon goes through eight main phases over a month. This simulation activity demonstrates why these phases occur. It uses a light bulb to represent the Sun, each student to represent the Earth and a Styrofoam ball to represent the Moon.
What you need
- Download student activity (menu at right)
- Electric light, suspended from the ceiling or on a lamp stand.
Use a low wattage bulb, and, if possible, a low voltage power source.
- Styrofoam balls (8 cm diameter is a good minimum size, but any size will do)
- Pencils to act as a handle
- Pin
