Best Moon Phases Demo for Middle School

When it comes to teaching moon phases, most activities are either too simplistic or fail to capture the real reason behind the phases we see from Earth. (Hot take: Playing with Oreos is fun, but it doesn’t cut it.) If you need something more accurate to get your students to understand why the Moon changes shape, this activity is the BEST moon phase demo for middle school I’ve found. It will be a game-changer in your classroom, I swear.

I’ve used countless lunar cycle activities over the years, but this is by far the most effective!

Why This Moon Phase Activity Works

Most students (and let’s be honest – many adults) don’t intuitively grasp that:
✔ The Moon is always half-lit by the Sun – it’s just our perspective that changes.
✔ Moon phases happen because we see different amounts of that lit half as the Moon orbits Earth.
✔ The position of the Sun, Moon, and Earth determines what phase we see.

This interactive moon phase lesson allows students to physically move a model Moon around their heads, experiencing first-hand how our vantage point changes what we see.

How to Set Up This Moon Phase Demonstration

You don’t need fancy equipment – just a lamp (to represent the Sun) and small Styrofoam balls on sticks (to act as the Moon).

Here’s how to prepare the demo:

1. Make the Moons:
   • Get Styrofoam balls (3-4 inches works best).
   • Insert a dowel, pencil, or straw into the ball like a lollipop.
   • Paint one half of the ball black (painter’s tape helps with a clean line).
2. Set Up the Room:
   • Place a lamp at the front of the room. This is the Sun. (It doesn’t need to be bright).
   • Turn off the overhead lights for better contrast.
   • Students will use their own heads as the Earth in this activity.

Step-by-Step Guide to Teaching the Moon Phases

• Start with the New Moon:
  Students hold their “Moon” in front of them, arm extended toward the light source, white side facing the lamp. From their perspective, they only see the dark side—this is the New Moon.
• Waxing Crescent:
  They slowly move their Moon slightly to the left, keeping the white half facing the “Sun.” A small sliver of light appears—Waxing Crescent!
• First Quarter & Beyond:
  As they continue moving their Moon around their head, they see more of the lit side, progressing through First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, and eventually a Full Moon (when the Moon is behind them, fully lit).
• Waning Phases & Completing the Cycle:
  Students continue rotating their Moon around their head, seeing the lighted portion decrease through Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, and Waning Crescent, before reaching New Moon again.

Need More Detailed Instructions?

If you’re having trouble picturing this in your head, you can grab my more detailed instructions for this demo HERE. IT’S FREE! 👇👇👇

Why This Middle School Moon Phases Activity is a Must-Try

Unlike basic moon phase worksheets or pre-made videos, this interactive moon phase model actively engages students, helping them:

✅ Visualize and physically experience how the Moon’s phases work
✅ Correct common misconceptions (like thinking Earth’s shadow causes the phases)
✅ Apply their understanding to real-world observations (such as predicting future moon phases)

Once you try this demo, I know you’ll find it is the best moon phases demo for middle school out there!

Bring More Rigor to Your Moon Phases Lessons

Many middle school moon phase activities oversimplify the topic, but this hands-on lunar cycle demonstration adds the rigor your students need. They aren’t just memorizing phases – they’re analyzing angles, thinking critically, and seeing the science in action.

If you’re ready to elevate your Moon unit, check out my Moon Phases Graphing Activity or grab my Moon Phases CER Stations for even more engaging, inquiry-based activities!

​​I hope this demo and these lessons take your moon phase unit from 🌑🌒🌓🌔🌕🌖🌗🌘 (waning to waxing… see what I did there?!?!) engagement and rigor!​

And after you’ve tried the demo – please let me know… is this the best moon phases demo for middle school ever, or what?!

_{As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.}