I began this activity with a reading of Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me by Eric Carle.  This delightful story features fold-out pages (so Papa can climb a ladder to get the moon) and a nice introduction to the waxing and waning of the moon.  After finishing the book, try this activity to explore the phases of the moon. 

You need:

• Sandpaper
• Tape
• Black paper
• White crayon

1)  Trace a circle (3-4 inches across) on sandpaper.  Cut out.

2)  Tape the circle to the work surface.  Cut a piece of black paper in four sections.  Cover the circle with black paper.

3)  Remove the paper from the crayon.  Make a rubbing of the circle.

4)  Cut the circle in half.  Repeat the above steps.  Cut the half circle into a crescent.  Repeat the above steps.

Using a very rough sandpaper creates a nice “crater” effect for the moon.  After finishing the crayon rubbings, we labeled the moon phases and stapled them at the top to make a little booklet.

Make sure to save your crescent moon!  We’ll use it next week during our “Star” theme!