What causes the Moon to appear to change shape throughout the month?

The changing angles at which we view the Moon's illuminated surface as it orbits Earth.

What does 'waxing' mean when describing a phase of the Moon?

Waxing means the illuminated portion of the Moon is growing or increasing.

New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Third Quarter, Waning Crescent.

Grade 4th Grade · Science · 35 min· Ngss 4-ess1-1

I can describe the patterns of the Moon’s phases.

Free School · 5:42

Phases of the Moon: Astronomy and Space for Kids - FreeSchool

3 key concepts

1
The moon appears to change shape a little bit every night, which are called phases, because we see different amounts of the moon lit up by the sun.
2
The cycle of lunar phases begins with the new moon, when the moon appears completely dark, and ends with the full moon, when the moon is the biggest and brightest.
3
The phases of the moon in order are: new moon, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, third quarter, and waning crescent.

5 questions · Multiple choice & Short answer

Quick comprehension check

“List the moon phases in order, starting with the New Moon.”

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