In just 5 min a day, increase student ownership of moon phase data collection, analysis, discussion, and identification of patterns using this Google Sheets resource. The spreadsheet is ready to print to fit inside interactive notebooks. For several years I have used this moon calendar as part of our classroom routine to engage students in observing the moon, collecting and recording data, and identifying sequences and patterns over time. Perfect size for interactive science notebooks!

⭐ Check out my weather data resource here

Your download will include:

• 1 PDF with a force copy link to the calendar
• 1 blank moon calendar for each month of the year (free yearly updates)
• tutorial video series demonstrating how I teach this to my students and our routine
• 1 website link to collect and record moon phase data

What Grades Can Use This Calendar?

I have used this calendar with students in 2nd, 4th, and 5th grades and it fits perfectly on 1 page of a traditional composition notebook. It is likely more useful in upper elementary and older grades, but can be adapted for younger grades (e.g., collecting data as a whole group or class during morning meeting or circle time).

Why Invest Time in Your Day to Track the Moon?

• Instead of using this calendar as part of a direct teach lesson about the concepts, I introduce this calendar BEFORE we begin our Earth Science units.
• I find that most students (including my struggling students) are more able to make connections during a direct teach lesson after they've spent a month or two collecting and analyzing data.
• This has also resulted in me spending less time on direct teach lessons, because we've had bite-sized chunks of learning along the way.
• MOST IMPORTANTLY, they become so excited when they discover patterns and make accurate predictions!

How Can I Use This Resource?

• About 1 month before I teach my Earth Science units I begin implementing this calendar as part of our daily routine.
• During week 1, introducing, modeling, and setting expectations typically takes about 15-20 minutes a day the first week, but the gains in students' critical thinking and engagement are well worth the investment of time!
• During week 2 and beyond this becomes a 5 min daily routine, which includes also collecting weather data.
• Because students are collecting, recording, and analyzing their own data there is very little direct teaching from me. My role is typically to ask "notice and wonder" questions and guide students to pay attention to any pattern or sequence they see from week to week or to encourage them to make a prediction about the next phase, such as full moon or new moon.

How will you get access to your Google Sheets Calendar?

1. Download the PDF file
2. Follow the directions on page 5 of the "Read Me" PDF to make a copy of the Google Sheets file in your Google Drive.
3. Print the monthly calendar and have students cut on the solid outline
4. When cut, calendar will fit on one page in a traditional composition notebook

We would love your feedback!

Please leave a review of this product and receive credit toward future TpT purchases. Go to "My Purchases" in your account or visit the product page to leave a review. We look forward to your thoughts!

You might also like:

1. Daily Attendance Tracker | Google Sheets
2. Pre-Made Google Sites Website | Cactus & Wood Theme
3. Digital Stations Template | Google Slides
4. Digital Circle Time | Morning Meeting | 300 questions | GROWING Bundle