The Toad in the Moon

Is that the man in the moon -- or the toad in the moon? Lots of stories try to explain the shadows on the moon. Now, with this science project for kids, it's their turn to make up a legend.

Make a story for the shapes in the moon.
©2007 Publications International, Ltd.
Make a story for the shapes in the moon.
People in different parts of the world have had different ideas about just who, or what, is "in the moon." In the United States, we look at the shadows on the full moon and say it is "the man in the moon."

In Germany, people say that man was sent there for something he did wrong. In Africa, the Masai people say it's "the woman in the moon." And in China, they say it's a rabbit or a toad.

What You'll Need:

  • A clear night
  • Binoculars
  • Paper
  • Pen or pencil

Step 1: Take a good look at the full moon. What do you see there?

Step 2: Write a story telling who -- or what -- is in the moon, and how it got there.

Step 3: See what stories your friends can tell.

Learn more about the phases of the moon by becoming the Earth in an active model. Go to the next page of science projects for kids: the moon to find out how.

For more fun science projects for kids, check out: