Phases of the Moon

Introduction

Have you ever wondered why the moon seems so bright at night? Did you know that the moon doesn’t create its own light? Instead, it reflects the light of the sun. The moon looks different depending on its position and the location of the sun. That’s how we have different phases of the moon. Astronomers (who are scientists that study everything in the universe beyond Earth’s atmosphere) even have names for when the moon looks different, including supermoon, blood moon, blue moon, harvest moon, and more. Have you ever seen one of these special moon phases?

​Today we’re going to check out the basic phases of the moon with a yummy methodology (which means process.)

Fizzlebop Supply List

• Package of Oreos
• Spoon
• Oreo Cookie Moon Phase Guide (below)

The Experiment

1. Carefully and slowly twist the two sections of Oreo in opposite directions. This will increase the amount of frosting on one side. Now pull the two sides apart. 


FIZZ TIP: If your frosting sticks to both sides, you’ll need to eat the cookie and try again. 

2. Once you have a majority of frosting on one side of the Oreo, use the spoon to scoop away frosting according to the Oreo Cookie Moon Phase Guide. 

3. Now  arrange the cookies in the order of the Oreo Cookie Moon Phase Guide and observe.

FIZZ TIP: If it’s nighttime, look outside and see what phase the moon is in right now.

​4. Finally, eat your moon phases and enjoy! Fizzilicious! 

Fizz Facts

Did you know the moon moves about 3.8 cm (almost 1.5 in.) away from the Earth each year? As of early 2023, only twelve humans have walked on the moon, but that’s likely to change in the coming years. Maybe you’ll be one of those humans. If you are, you’ll feel a lot lighter since the moon’s gravity is only 1/6th of the Earth’s gravity. If you do go, be sure to take your copy of Faith and Science with Dr. Fizzlebop with you.

Collecting Your Family’s Data

What phase is the moon currently in? 
Which Oreo cookie moon phase tasted best?

Oreo Moon Phase Chart

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