5th GradeScienceMoon Phases
Phases of the Moon Worksheet for 5th Grade (Hunter’s Moon Edition)
Why does the Moon seem to change shape? This two-page worksheet explains sunlight, waxing and waning, and the 8 phases in order, then asks your child to name the phases and explain what they see. It ties in October 26, 2026, the Hunter’s Moon.
What your child practices
✓Naming the 8 phases of the Moon in order
✓Explaining why we see phases (reflected sunlight)
✓Waxing vs. waning
✓Estimating the length of a lunar cycle
How to use it
- Read page 1 together and act it out with a lamp and a ball.
- Have your child try Part A without looking back at page 1.
- Check answers with the key and revisit any phase names that were mixed up.
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Try this at homeKeep a moon journal for two weeks: sketch the Moon each night and label the phase.
Grab your printable
2-page worksheet (phase diagram + Show What You Know) with answer key.
Download the PDFQuestions parents ask
What are the 8 phases of the Moon?
New moon, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, third quarter and waning crescent.
Why does the Moon have phases?
The Moon reflects sunlight. As it orbits Earth, we see different amounts of its sunlit half, so its shape seems to change.
Looking for more science practice?
Browse Lion’s LibraryFor personal, homeschool and single-classroom use. Please share a link to this page instead of the file.