Ramadan and Eid / Moon Phases Calendar
Moon Phases Calendar
Children learn why Ramadan and Eid move each year by tracking the moon's phases on a paper calendar, from new crescent to full moon and back.
How to run it
- Explain that Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which follows the moon, so it starts about 11 days earlier each year.
- Share that many Muslims fast from dawn to sunset during Ramadan, and Eid al-Fitr celebrates its end, often beginning when the new crescent moon is sighted.
- Children draw the main moon phases around a paper plate wheel or along a strip calendar, using black and white paper or chalk.
- Encourage children to look at the moon at home each night and mark what they see.
You will need
- paper plates
- black and white paper
- glue sticks
- split pins
- chalk or white pencils
- moon phase reference chart
Make it easier or harderYounger children glue four main phases in order; older children work out roughly when Ramadan will start next year.
SafetyExplain Ramadan respectfully as information, and never ask or encourage children to fast.
My Time Our Place · Outcome 4, Outcome 2Children connect astronomy with cultural calendars and learn why celebrations shift dates.
Fits these theme days
More like this
After School Quick STEM · Science Week · Science Day +3
Cup Tower Book Challenge
Children engineer a tower from cups and card strong enough to hold a book, testing ideas about balance, load and stable bases.
After School Quick STEM · Science Week · Science Day +2Twisted Paper Loop Magic
Children make a twisted paper loop, predict what will happen when they cut it, then discover the surprising one-sided shape that results.
After School Quick STEM · Science Week · Science Day +3Spaghetti and Tape Tower
Small teams build the tallest free-standing tower they can from dry spaghetti and tape, learning about triangles, bracing and teamwork.
Ancient Egypt · Science Week · Science Day +2Salt Mummy Apple Experiment
Children preserve apple slices in salt and compare them with uncovered slices over several days, discovering how drying helped ancient mummification.