Dramatic Play

• After reading about the phases of the moon, place young children in groups of three to act out a lunar cycle. Assign the roles of the earth, the moon and the sun. The sun shines a flashlight on the earth, who simply stands and rotates in one spot while the moon slowly circles him, passing between the earth and the sun. This activity illustrates one moon cycle in a simple manner for young elementary students.
  
  

Moon Cycles Journals

• Keeping a moon phase journal is an excellent activity for children of all ages. Provide younger children with pictures of the moon in various phases and have them paste the pictures in their journal. Older children may keep a written record of the moon's cycle. Enrich the assignment by asking them to study the relationship between the lunar cycle and the tides and to track the tides in their journals as well.
  
  

Moon Cycles in Culture

• Study the role of the moon cycles in different cultures, religions and time periods. Lunar calendars exist in many forms. Examine Christian, Jewish and Hindu calendars and list similarities and differences. Research the role moon cycles play in the day of a fisherman and a gardener or farmer. Prepare a science experiment and plant two trays of seeds--a control tray and one using the principals of gardening by the lunar calendar.
  
  

Observing Lunar Cycles

• Learning about moon cycles is an excellent excuse for homeschooling parents to allow children to stay up past their bedtime. Observe the moon on several clear nights and record which phase it appears to be in. Compare observations against a moon cycle calendar. Teachers in schools may require parents' permission prior to assigning this activity.