Science — Earth and Space: The Moon

Level: Age 10 (Kenya) — Simple notes about our Moon (Mwezi). Short activities and questions are included.

What is the Moon?

The Moon (in Swahili: Mwezi) is a natural satellite that moves around the Earth. It is smaller than Earth and made of rock. The Moon reflects light from the Sun so we can see it at night and sometimes during the day.

Quick facts

• The Moon takes about 27 days to go once around the Earth (orbit).
• The full cycle of visible shapes (phases) takes about 29.5 days (one lunar month).
• The Moon has many craters and no air to protect it from meteor hits.
• People first walked on the Moon in 1969 (Apollo 11 mission).

Phases of the Moon

The Moon looks different during the month because of its position compared to the Sun and Earth. These different shapes are called phases.

Why phases happen

The Sun lights one half of the Moon. As the Moon moves around the Earth, we see different parts of the lit half. That is why the Moon changes shape.

Moon and Earth — simple diagram

The Moon travels around the Earth in a path called an orbit. Below is a small diagram to help you imagine Earth and Moon.

Why the Moon is important

• The Moon affects the tides in the oceans. Its gravity pulls water, causing high and low tides.
• The Moon helps stabilise the Earth's tilt. This keeps seasons steady over long time.
• People use the Moon to count months in many cultures (lunar calendar).

Eclipses (short and simple)

- Lunar eclipse: Earth is between the Sun and the Moon. Earth's shadow falls on the Moon. You can see it at night.
- Solar eclipse: The Moon is between the Sun and Earth. The Moon blocks the Sun for a short time (do not look at the Sun without protection).

Class activity (easy, at home)

Make a Moon phase chart for one month.

1. Materials: paper, pencil, dark marker, calendar or ruler.
2. Every night for 30 nights, draw the Moon you see (small circle and shade the dark part).
3. Write the date under each drawing. After 29–30 days you will see the phases repeat.

Simple experiment (together with a lamp)

Use a small ball (the Moon) and a lamp (the Sun). Hold the ball and walk around a friend (Earth) to see how light falls on the ball. This shows why phases change.

Key words (learn these)

• Moon (Mwezi)
• Orbit
• Phase
• Crater
• Tide
• Eclipse

Questions for you

1. How long does it take the Moon to orbit the Earth?
2. What phase comes after a New Moon?
3. Why should we never look directly at the Sun during a solar eclipse?
4. What is one way the Moon affects life on Earth?

Did you know? In Kenya many people still use the Moon to know planting times and for cultural events. In Swahili the Moon is called Mwezi.

End of notes — try observing the Moon tonight!