5

Science
Quarter 4 – Module 4:
Phases of the Moon:
Its Characteristics

CO_Q4_Science5_Module4
Science – Grade 5
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 4 – Module 4: Phases of the Moon: Its Characteristics
First Edition, 2020

Republic Act 8293, Section 176 states that: No copyright shall subsist in any work of
the Government of the Philippines. However, prior approval of the government agency or office
wherein the work is created shall be necessary for exploitation of such work for profit. Such
agency or office may, among other things, impose as a condition the payment of royalties.

Borrowed materials (i.e., songs, stories, poems, pictures, photos, brand names,
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effort has been exerted to locate and seek permission to use these materials from their
respective copyright owners. The publisher and authors do not represent nor claim ownership
over them.

Published by the Department of Education

Secretary: Leonor Magtolis Briones
Undersecretary: Diosdado M. San Antonio

Development Team of the Module

Writer: Chrissie Joy A. Pakit

Editors: Arlene H. Dela Torre, Paulina D. Gabon
Reviewers: Carmen R. Lim, Jocelyn D. Poliño, Ryan R. Tiu,
Mae Chrizzle S. Andrada, Joel Christian R. Salentes
Illustrator: Reyson Joe G. Cañedo
Layout Artists: Harlene R. Presente, Marjorie P. Gabumpa
Management Team:
Ramir B. Uytico, Arnulfo M. Balane, Rosemarie M. Guino,
Joy B. Bihag, Ryan R. Tiu, Marilyn B. Siao,
Roberto N. Mangaliman, Ma. Luz I. Orbe, Cecilia A. Arga,
Eveliza S. Quinoñes, Carmen R. Lim

Printed in the Philippines by ________________________

Department of Education – Region VIII

Office Address: Government Center, Candahug, Palo, Leyte

Telefax: 053 – 832-2997
E-mail Address: region8@deped.gov.ph
 5

Science
Quarter 4 – Module 4:
Phases of the Moon:
Its Characteristics
Introductory Message

This Self-Learning Module (SLM) is prepared so that you, our dear

learners, can continue your studies and learn while at home. Activities,
questions, directions, exercises, and discussions are carefully stated for you
to understand each lesson.

Each SLM is composed of different parts. Each part shall guide you
step-by-step as you discover and understand the lesson prepared for you.

Pre-tests are provided to measure your prior knowledge on lessons in

each SLM. This will tell you if you need to proceed on completing this module
or if you need to ask your facilitator or your teacher’s assistance for better
understanding of the lesson. At the end of each module, you need to answer
the post-test to self-check your learning. Answer keys are provided for each
activity and test. We trust that you will be honest in using these.

In addition to the material in the main text, Notes to the Teacher are
also provided to our facilitators and parents for strategies and reminders on
how they can best help you on your home-based learning.

Please use this module with care. Do not put unnecessary marks on
any part of this SLM. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises
and tests. And read the instructions carefully before performing each task.

If you have any questions in using this SLM or any difficulty in

answering the tasks in this module, do not hesitate to consult your teacher
or facilitator.

Thank you.
 What I Need to Know

In this module you will learn about the different phases of the moon and its
characteristics. This is designed and developed to provide the learning that you need
to know and to give you ample opportunities to enrich your knowledge in Science
that includes studying the Phases of the Moon: Its Characteristics.

The scope of this module permits it to be used in many different learning

situations. The language used recognizes the diverse vocabulary level of students.
The lessons are arranged to follow the standard sequence of the course. But the order
in which you read them can be changed to correspond with the textbook you are now
using.

This module will help you infer the pattern in the changes of the appearance
of the moon.

The module is divided into two lessons, namely:

 Lesson 1 – Phases of the Moon and its characteristics
 Lesson 2 – Beliefs and practices with the phases of the moon

After going through this module, you should be able to infer the pattern in
the changes of the appearance of the moon. Specifically, you shall:

1. identify the different phases of the moon and its characteristics;

2. describe the different phases of the moon; and
3. evaluate superstitious beliefs and practices associated with the different
phases of the moon.

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CO_Q4_Science5_Module4
 What I Know

I. Directions: Read and analyze each question carefully and identify the letter
of the BEST answer. Write your answers in your Science notebook.

1. What causes the shape of the moon to change?

A. The shape of the moon changes as it orbits the Earth.
B. Some of its part break when the moon reflects light from the sun.
C. Only the lighted part of the moon is visible when the Earth moves.
D. All of the above

2. What do you call the change in the appearance of the moon?

A. Illuminated moon C. Shapes of the Moon
B. Phases of the Moon D. Structures of the Moon

3. What do you call when the moon seems to be growing?

A. crescent C. waning
B. gibbous D. waxing

4. The Earth is between the sun and the moon. What phase of the moon will
occur when this happens?
A. new moon C. full moon
B. first quarter D. last quarter

5. In which phase does the moon appear dark?

A. first quarter C. last quarter
B. full moon D. new moon

II. Directions: Write True if the statement is correct and False if it is not.

6. All beliefs and practices about the moon have a scientific basis.
7. During the new moon, you can see the side of the moon, which is facing the
Earth, is completely lit up by the sun.
8. In the waxing phase, the moon looks bigger because more parts of the moon
are lit up by the sun when facing the Earth.
9. In the waning crescent phase, only a small part of the moon is visible.
10. When the moon is in a specific phase, farmers do their planting because it
may bring a good harvest.

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 Lesson
Different Phases of the
1 Moon: Its Characteristics
Do you ever catch a glimpse of the moon at night? Have you ever wondered
why the presence of the moon varies over time?

The moon is not a planet but a satellite. A satellite is an opaque (objects that
absorb light and produces shadow) object that orbits a planet. The only natural
satellite that the Earth has is the moon. It is a huge object that circles the Earth and
normally a fraction of its size.

The moon does not have its light source. It receives all of its light from the
sun. The location of the moon varies in relation to the observer on Earth as it rotates
and revolves around the Earth. As a result, the shape of the moon changes over time.
It is because the moon passes across the Earth, the illuminated part of the moon
shifts. The apparent variation in the shape of the moon is referred to as phases of
the moon.

What’s In

Directions: Analyze the picture below. Record your answers to the questions based
on your observation of the picture. Write your answers in your science notebook.

Illustrated by Reyson Joe G. Cañedo

Answer the following questions:

1. Based on the picture above, how often do you see this moon phase in a month?
2. Where does its light come from?
3. Is the moon always a circle in shape? What other shapes of the moon do you see
at night?
4. Why do you think the moon changes its shapes?

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 What's New

Directions: Here are some facts about the moon. On your Science notebook, draw a
smiley face (😊) if you already know the fact, and a wow face (😮) if this is new to
you. Place your answers in your science notebook.

The sun may be the closest star to the Earth, but it is certainly not our closest
neighbor in space. Here are some facts about the moon:

1. It is the natural satellite of the Earth. A satellite is an object in space that

revolves around another object.
2. Our closest neighbor in space is the moon, a rocky ball about one-fourth
size of the Earth.
3. It is the sixth-largest moon in the solar system.
4. The moon is one of the heavenly bodies reached by man. The first person
to step on the Moon on July 21, 1969, was Neil Armstrong, an American
astronaut.
5. Like Earth, the moon does not have the light of its own. The moon can be
seen in the sky because it reflects lights from the sun.
6. The moon is the second brightest object in the sky next to the sun. Its
name is Luna.
7. It is about 406,676 kilometers away from the Earth with a diameter of
3,476 kilometers, approximately ¼ of the Earth’s diameter, it is almost as
large as Mercury.
8. It has no air and water.
9. It revolves around the Earth.
10. It makes one complete revolution every 27 days and 7 hours, and 43
minutes.

What is It

A moon is a massive, heavy rock ball that orbits a planet. The Earth has only
one moon, while Mars has two, and Jupiter has a whopping 67! The moon doesn’t
have its own light source. It absorbs the light of the sun and reflects it to us.

The Earth and the moon are 384,400 kilometers apart. The Earth revolves
around the moon. It completes one full revolution every 27 days, 7 hours, and 43
minutes. It orbits the Earth at a distance of 406,676 kilometers and has a diameter
of 3,476 kilometers, or around 14% of the Earth's diameter. It is almost as large as
Mercury.

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 When it orbits around the Earth, the moon rotates from west to east. The
shape of the moon appears to change as it rotates and orbits around the Earth. The
various “shapes” of the moon are referred to as phases.

The shape of the moon that is illuminated and visible to the observer is known
as the phases of the moon. New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing
Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter and Waning Crescent are the
eight lunar phases.

The various phases of the moon, as well as their characteristics and

illustrations, are shown below. (All illustrations in this section are made by Mr. Reyson
Joe G. Cañedo)

Name of Phases
Characteristics Illustration
of the Moon

New Moon In this phase, we cannot see the

moon between the sun and the
Earth. The sun shines on the
side of the moon, which is away
from the Earth.

Waxing crescent In this phase, we could see a

tiny edge of the moonlight one or
two days after a new moon. The
moon appears to be growing,
and it is in the midst of a waxing
phase, wherein the moon
started to take on a semicircular
shape.

In this phase, we can see half of

First quarter the moon's illuminated side
moon about a week after the new
moon.

Waxing gibbous In this phase, more than half of

the moon is visible in the sky.

Full Moon In this phase, we can see the full

lighted side of the moon a week
after the first quarter moon
when the Earth is between the
moon and the sun throughout
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 Name of Phases
Characteristics Illustration
of the Moon

this phase. The full moon

appears in the sky as a perfect
circle.

Waning gibbous In this phase, it occurs when the

lighted part of the moon
becomes smaller.

Last quarter In this phase, the half lighted

moon part of the moon can be seen
again on the third week of the
month. The moon soon
disappears. Only then can it be
replaced by another new moon.

In this phase, most of the moon

Waning crescent is visible in the sky but
decreasing every night time.

FIRST QUARTER

WAXING WAXING
GIBBOUS CRESENT

FULL MOON
NEW MOON
MOON PHASES

WANING WANING
GIBBOUS CRESENT

LAST QUARTER

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 What’s More

Directions: Perform the following activities properly. Write your answers to the guide
questions in your science notebook. (All illustrations in this section are made by
Mr. Reyson Joe G. Cañedo)

Activity 1. Describing the Characteristics of the Different

Phases of the Moon
You Will Need:
 Human head (represents the Earth)
 Flashlight (represents the sun)
 Small ball (represents the moon)
Reminder: Make sure NOT to focus the light directly towards the eyes

What to Do:
1. Prepare the materials needed.
2. Turn off the lights in the room. Make sure that the room is dark enough to allow
the flashlight’s light to shine brightly.
Note: It works best if you prepare a very dark set up.
3. Get the small ball (Moon) and let it orbit around the head (Earth).
4. Turn on the flashlight. Be sure to focus its light on the head.
5. Hold the small ball in between the head and the flashlight.
6. Turn the small ball slowly around the head. DO NOT MOVE THE FLASHLIGHT.
7. Observe what portion of the small ball reflects the light.
(Note: human head represents the Earth, the small ball represents the moon, and
the flashlight represents the sun)

Guide Questions:

1. On a piece of paper, draw the lighted portion of the small ball in different
positions.
2. Did the small ball change its shape as it turned around the human head? Why?
3. What portion of the small ball reflects the light? Did the ball change its shape?
Why?
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CO_Q4_Science5_Module4
Activity 2. Moon Phases Slider

You Will Need:

 Colored paper (blue, black)

 Bond paper
 Glue
 Scissor
 Staple
 Pencil
 Crayons

What to do:

1. First, prepare the materials needed.

2. Draw a large circle (represent the moon) in a

bond paper and cut it out.

3. Using a pencil, trace the outline of your moon

onto the center of a piece of rectangular-shaped
blue colored paper.

4. Now that you have the circle drawn onto the

blue colored paper cut it out. (Be extra careful
in using sharp objects).

5. Glue your picture of the moon onto the center

of bond paper. (You may put additional
designs such as stars).

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CO_Q4_Science5_Module4
 6. Take a large piece of black colored paper and
cut it to the same width as your picture of the
Moon. Trim the corners so that they are curved
to form a half-circle. This long black piece of
colored paper will act as the slider.

7. Lastly, take both pieces of colored paper and

staple them together at the bottom and top.
(making sure not to staple the sides, they should
be left open). Move the slider back and forth to
cast a shadow over the moon.

Guide Questions:

1. Did you enjoy the activity?

2. Using your improvised/finished moon phases slider, have you seen on it the
different phases of the moon?
3. What are the different phases of the moon?

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 Lesson
Moon-Related Beliefs
2 and Practices
Since they have such a significant influence on the lives of the people, the
different phases of the moon are frequently associated with superstitious practices.

What’s In

Directions: Let us look at your current understanding of the following topics by

answering the questions below. Place your answers in your science notebook.

1. Have you ever heard of moon superstitions?

2. Do you believe in superstitions? Why?
3. Can you tell a story or stories about superstitions related to the moon?
4. Do you believe these stories about the moon? Why or why not?

What's New

Directions: List down at least three (3) superstitious beliefs that are associated with
the moon. You may ask your parents or grandparents regarding moon-related
superstitious beliefs. Write your answers in your science notebook.

What is It

Did you know that the moon is often associated with superstitious beliefs that
influence our everyday lives? Why is this so? Superstitions are beliefs and traditions
that existed before our ancestors. It has been passed on from generation to
generation till modern times. People used to believe that the moon had a significant
effect on their lives. The moon is used as a guide for them. It provides weather signals
as well as information as to when to plant, harvest and catch fishes. Some of these
beliefs and traditions are still practiced by some people nowadays.
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CO_Q4_Science5_Module4
The following are some of the moon-related superstitious beliefs:

1. The moon influences our weather. When the Sun, Moon, and Earth are
aligned, and the moon is closest to the Earth, you could expect lower
temperatures. It’s due to the Moon and the Sun’s combined gravitational force.
The moon has an impact on the atmosphere in the same way that it affects
our oceans. The moon's gravitational pull causes the Earth and its waters to
bulge during the full or new moon, and the same thing happens with the
atmosphere.

2. The moon affects the occurrence of high and low tides. Tides are the rise and
fall of sea level caused by the combined effect of the moon and sun’s
gravitational forces, as well as the Earth’s rotation. There are two different
types of tides. The moon is responsible for the low and high tides. High tides
produce water bulges. Our fishermen believed that the increased number of
fish they could catch is attributed to the moon.

3. Our farmers' ancestors believed that planting when the moon was in those
phases was beneficial and would yield a good harvest. It is because they affect
the rate of plant growth. According to them, from the new moon to the full
moon, the soil moisture is at a higher level. Since it could help plant growth
and production, many farmers prefer to sow their crop seeds at this time.

4. For a long time, people believed that the phases of the moon were related to
the menstrual cycle in some way. The lunar cycle is about the same length as
a woman’s average menstrual cycle, which inspired this concept.

5. The full moon influences animal behavior. They howled at the moon and even
in the dark sky, just like wolves. The presence of the moon influences certain
animals, but it is the light that affects them, not the moon. They are more
active and more likely to be out when there is more light.

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CO_Q4_Science5_Module4
 What’s More

Activity 1. Guided Practice

Directions: Explain the superstitious beliefs cited below. The rubrics below could
serve as your scoring guide. Write your explanation in your science notebook.

1. It is favorable to plant seed between the new moon and the full moon.
2. The moon is responsible for the occurrence of high tide.
Rubrics for Activity 1
Criteria 5 points 3 points 1 point
Accuracy The concept is The concept is The concept is not so
very evident. evident. evident.
Delivery Completeness of Some ideas are not The idea presented is
ideas explain is presented/delivered. not coherent with the
presented. explanation’s made.

Activity 2. Independent Practice

Directions: Write a short paragraph about a belief that is related to the moon. The
rubrics below could serve as your scoring guide. Place your output in your science
notebook.

Rubrics for the Activity 2

Criteria 5 points 3 points 1 point
Accuracy All given concepts Most of the given Most of the given
are correct. concepts are correct. concepts are not
correct.
Organization Completeness of Some ideas are not The idea presented is
ideas explain is presented/delivered. not coherent with the
presented. explanation’s made.

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 What I Have Learned

A. Directions: Read each statement carefully. Fill in the blank spaces with the
missing terms or identify what is/are asked. Choose the correct answer inside
the box below. Write your answers in your science notebook.

Phases Moon Superstitious Bulge

High Tides High and Low Good Harvest

1. There are different ________ of moon.

2. _____________ are beliefs based on opinions, observations, and
experiences but have no scientific explanation.
3. The ________ are often associated with superstitious beliefs and practices.
4. Many farmers believe that planting when the moon is in specific phases
may bring ____________.
5. There are two types of tides. The ___________ and ___________ tides.
6. _____________produce these water bulges.
7. When the phase of the moon is full Moon or new Moon, it causes a _____
in an ocean.

B. Directions: Give at least three (3) superstitious beliefs and practices associated
with the moon. Write your answers in your science notebook.

What I Can Do

A. Directions: Give the name of the different Phases of the Moon. Number 1 is done
for you. Place your answers in your science notebook.

1. New Moon 5. ______________

2._______________ 6._______________

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CO_Q4_Science5_Module4
 3._______________ 7._______________

4._______________ 8._______________

B. Directions: Give at least two (2) beliefs and/or practices related to the moon that
you are most likely to believe. Write your answer in your science notebook.

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CO_Q4_Science5_Module4
 Assessment

I. Directions: Match the descriptions in Column A with the Phases of the Moon in
Column B. Write the letter of the correct match on your science notebook.

Column A Column B
1. A phase of the moon between the last A. First Quarter
quarter and the new moon. B. Full Moon
2. The quarter phase of the moon is C. Last Quarter
between the new moon and full moon. D. New Moon
3. The quarter phase of the moon is E. Waning Gibbous
between the full moon and the new moon. F. Waning Crescent
4. A phase when the moon is not visible.
5. A phase where you see the whole
lighted side of the moon.

II. Directions: Write T if the statement is true and F if the statement is false. Write
your answers in your science notebook.

6. Superstitions are beliefs having scientific explanation.

7. Moon can produce its light.
8. Ancient people believe that the moon has a direct influence on their lives.
9. The moon affects the moisture content of the soil.
10. During ancient times the moon served as a guide when to plant and to
harvest.

Additional Activities

Directions: Observe the Moon for a week. Draw and describe its shape every night
and place your output in your science notebook like the table below.

DAY DRAW THE SHAPE OF THE MOON DESCRIPTION

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CO_Q4_Science5_Module4
CO_Q4_Science5_Module4
16
Lesson 2 What’s New Lesson 1 What’s More
LESSON 2
POSSIBLE ANSWER What’s In Activity 2
1. During the ancient Answers may vary from
1. Answers may vary from
times, people believed learner’s point of view.
the lerner’s point of
that during full moon 1. Yes or No view.
mythical creatures like 2. Yes. I believe in 2. Yes I see different
aswang, encanto, kapre, superstitions. phases of the moon.
tikbalang and tiyanak No. I don’t believe in 3. The different phases of
mostly appear. superstitions.
the moon are new
2. Fishermen believe that 3. The moon controls
moon, waxing crescent,
fertility.
the moon also affect the first quarter,waxing
4. Yes. Because the elderly
number of fishes they gibbous, full moon,
share stories about their
could catch. experiences about the waning gibbous, last
3. Couples should marry moon. quarter, and waning
during full moon No. Because I don’t crescent.
because more blessing believe in superstitions.
will be given to them.
LESSON 1 Lesson 1 What’s More
What I Know
What’s In Activity 1
1. D 1. Answers may vary from
2. B 1. Every night students mental ability.
3. D 2. We can see the moon
4. C up above the sky
5. D during night time.
6. F 3. No, it changes its
7. F shape. Sometimes it is
8. T half lighted and
9. T sometimes it is
10. T Illustrated by Reyson Joe G. Cañedo
crescent and gibbous.
Lesson 1 4. It changes its shape 2. Yes, because as the
because of the light moves around the
What’s New different amount of human head, it
light it reflects from changes its shapes.
Answers may vary from the sun as it revolves 3. Yes, it is at the left side
learner’s point of view. around the Earth. of the small ball that
reflects the light. It
changes the shape
because as the lights
move around the head,
it creates another
shape on the small ball.
Answer Key
CO_Q4_Science5_Module4
17
What I Can Do
A.
1. New Moon 5. First Quarter
2. Full Moon 6. Last Quarter
3.Waning Crescent 7. Waning Gibbous
4.Waxing Crescent 8. Waxing Gibbous
B. Possible answers:
1. Planting when the moon was in those phases was beneficial and would yield a
good harvest.
2. The moon influences animal behavior.
Assessment What I have Learned Lesson 2 What’s More
A. Activity 1
1. f 1. Phases (Possible answers)
2. a 2. Superstitions
3. c 1.This belief tells us that a
3. Moon
4. d farmer has to plant their
4. Good Harvest
5. b crops when moon is in its
5. High and low
6. F specific phases like full
6. High Tides
7. F moon etc. and believes that
7. Bulge
8. T this may bring good
9. T harvest.
B. Possible Answer
10. T 2.Through the gravitational
 It is good to plant and forces exist between the
may bring good harvest moon and earth to hold
when the moon is in each other in their
specific phases. respective positions that
 Wolves howled during affect Earth’s tides. When
full moon and when the one side of the Earth is
sky is dark. close to the moon, the other
 Fishermen believes that side will be pulled towards
the moon affect the moon causing to bulge
increased number of which cause the ocean to
fishes they could catch rise and the other side
experiences low water.
CO_Q4_Science5_Module4
18
Additional Activities
(Possible Answer)
AUGUST DESCRIPTION
The other side of the moon is a little bit lighted
and it started to increase its size.
Illustrated by
Reyson Joe G. Cañedo
The moon started to increases its size and waiting
to be a full moon.
Illustrated by
Reyson Joe G. Cañedo
The moon is a little bit round. It starts to be a full
moon.
Illustrated by
Reyson Joe G. Cañedo
The moon is whole lighted side of the moon. The
full moon appears as an entire circle in the sky.
Illustrated by
Reyson Joe G. Cañedo
The full moon starts to disappear by decreasing its
size.
Illustrated by
Reyson Joe G. Cañedo
After the full moon it started to decreases its size
until it becomes a gibbous moon.
Illustrated by
Reyson Joe G. Cañedo
The moon decreases in size and now becomes a
gibbous moon.
Illustrated by
Reyson Joe G. Cañedo
References
Online Sources
“BEAM 4 Unit 10 DLP 63: Moon Revolves Around the Earth” 2014. Deped LR Portal.
Accessed April 13, 2021. https://lrmds.deped.gov.ph/detail/6774

"DLP Science and Health 4 Module 64: Phases of the Moon” 2014. Deped LR Portal.
Accessed April 13, 2021. https://lrmds.deped.gov.ph/detail/6775

“EASE Integrated Science I Module 16: Earth, Sun and Moon”.2010.DepEd LR Portal.
Accessed April 13, 2021. https://lrmds.deped.gov.ph/detail/350

“MISOSA 4 Module 33: The Revolution of the Moon Around the Earth” 2014. Deped
LR Portal. Accessed April 13, 2021. https:/lrmds.deped.gov.ph/detail/6773

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CO_Q4_Science5_Module4
For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education - Bureau of Learning Resources (DepEd-BLR)

Ground Floor, Bonifacio Bldg., DepEd Complex

Meralco Avenue, Pasig City, Philippines 1600

Telefax: (632) 8634-1072; 8634-1054; 8631-4985

Email Address: blr.lrqad@deped.gov.ph * blr.lrpd@deped.gov.ph