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Astronomy Science Fair Project

Moon Phases with Cookie Models

Easy
Moon Phases with Cookie Models | Science Fair Projects | STEM Projects
Why does the Moon look different every night? The Moon does not change shape. You just see different amounts of its sunlit side as it orbits Earth. You model all eight Moon phases using sandwich cookies. The white filling stands for the sunlit part. The dark cookie stands for the shadowed part. You scrape away filling to match each phase, from new moon (no filling) to full moon (all filling). By the end you have a complete set of Moon phase models lined up in order. Comparing them side by side shows how the lit portion grows and shrinks across one full cycle.

Hypothesis

The hypothesis is that the different phases of the moon can be represented with oreo cookies.

Science Concepts Learned

Lunar Phases

The Moon does not change shape as it circles Earth. You just see different amounts of its sunlit side. Cookie models show this well. The white filling stands for the sunlit part. You scrape filling to match each phase, from none at new moon to all at full moon.

Method & Materials

You will use Oreo cookies to make edible Moon models, scraping off the filling to create the New Moon, First Quarter, Full Moon, and Third Quarter phases. Compare them to see how the Moon changes shape.
You will need Oreos, a popsicle stick or kid-friendly knife and two plates.

Kiwi Cratehands-on STEAM project kits for ages 6–9, delivered monthly. (Affiliate link)

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Results

As the Moon orbits the Earth, it appears to change shape because of the sunlight reflecting off its surface. By creating edible Moon models, it becomes clear how the Moon's phases change.

Why do this project?

This science project is fun to do because it combines a snack with astronomy. It allows you to visually and tastefully explore the phenomenon of the Moon's phases, making it an engaging learning experience.

Also Consider

Observe the Moon in the sky and compare it with the Oreo models to see the similarities and differences between the real Moon and the edible representations.

Full project details

Additional information and source material for this project are available below.

Related videos

These videos explain the science behind this project and demonstrate key concepts used in the experiment.
Check out this cool video on moon phases from NASA with clear demonstrations on why we see the different shapes of the Moon!
Explore why we see the 8 different moon phases and how to do the oreo moon phases activity with this detailed video from the Louisiana Art & Science Museum!
Follow along with this Oreo moon phase activity from the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History, which includes a helpful drawing of the Earth and the Sun. The drawing will help you understand why we see different shapes of the Moon.
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