Lunar Eclipse Fold Out (Free Printables)
Teach kids about the phases of a lunar eclipse in a fun, interactive way with this Lunar Eclipse Foldout Printable! This engaging accordion-style activity visually breaks down each phase of a lunar eclipse while helping kids develop sequencing skills, fine motor coordination, and a better understanding of space science. This is the perfect hands-on activity for science lessons, homeschooling, and classroom projects.
Exploring space just got even more exciting! This Lunar Eclipse Foldout Printable is a fantastic way to help kids visualize and understand how a lunar eclipse occurs step by step.
As kids cut, fold, and assemble their own interactive book, they’ll gain a deeper appreciation for astronomy. It’s perfect for science centers, homeschool space units, classroom activities, or even a fun learning project leading up to the next lunar eclipse!
For more space crafts and activities be sure to check out our Cut and Paste Solar System Crafts! This fun printable lets kids build their own solar system while reinforcing fine motor skills and spatial awareness.
For an extra challenge, try our Space Crossword Puzzle—a great way to introduce space-related vocabulary and concepts in a fun, engaging way!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Printable
- 🌕 Interactive Learning – Helps kids grasp the lunar eclipse phases in a hands-on way.
- ✂️ Fine Motor Skills – Cutting, folding, and assembling helps strengthen coordination.
- 🎨 Customizable – Includes a black-and-white cover for kids to color or a pre-colored option for a quick project.
- 🏫 Great for Classrooms & Homeschooling – A simple, engaging science activity that brings astronomy to life.
Materials Needed
- Printed Lunar Eclipse Foldout Pages – You can grab the entire free printable PDF file down below.
- Scissors – For cutting out the cover and foldout pieces.
- Glue or Tape – To attach the cover.
- Crayons or Markers (optional) – For coloring the black-and-white version.
The Printable
This Lunar Eclipse Foldout includes:
✅ Two internal pages with the phases of the lunar eclipse in black and white.
✅ A cover page available in full color or black-and-white for coloring.
✅ Step-by-step sequencing of a lunar eclipse, from a full moon to the final phase.
✅ Fun facts about lunar eclipses to enhance learning.
Instructions
Print the Lunar Eclipse Foldout Pages – Choose between the black-and-white or full-color cover.
Cut out the cover pages along the edges.
Cut the two internal pages on the edges if you want them to be a little thiner, and then fold them accordion-style along the lines.
Glue or tape the ends of the foldout pages together to create a long accordion-style sequence.
Attach the folded eclipse sequence to the cover pages to create a finished foldout booklet.
(Optional) Let kids color the black-and-white version before assembling.
Top Tips
- Use cardstock for a more durable foldout that lasts longer.
- Laminate the finished project if you want to reuse it as a teaching tool.
- Pair this craft with a real-life lunar eclipse event and have kids observe the sky!
- Encourage kids to present their foldout to the class or family to explain each phase of the eclipse.
Educational Uses & Ideas
This Lunar Eclipse Foldout Printable is more than just a craft—it’s a hands-on learning tool that helps kids grasp important science concepts while developing their fine motor skills and critical thinking abilities. Here are some creative ways to integrate it into your homeschool, classroom, or science lesson:
🌕 Astronomy & Space Science
- Use this foldout as a visual aid when teaching about lunar eclipses, moon phases, and the relationship between the Earth, Moon, and Sun.
- Explain why lunar eclipses happen—how the Earth’s shadow covers the Moon, and why it appears red (Blood Moon) during totality.
- Compare a lunar eclipse to a solar eclipse to help kids understand the differences between the two.
🧠 Sequencing & Logical Thinking
- The foldout naturally teaches kids the order of events in a lunar eclipse, helping them understand cause and effect.
- Have kids rearrange the phases (before gluing them down) to reinforce their understanding of the correct sequence.
- Ask students to predict what happens next before unfolding each phase, encouraging critical thinking.
✂️ Fine Motor Skills & Hands-On Learning
- Cutting, folding, and gluing the pieces together strengthens fine motor skills, making this a perfect activity for preschool and early elementary students.
- Encourage kids to color the black-and-white version to make the learning process even more interactive.
📚 Language & Storytelling
- Ask kids to explain each phase in their own words as they go through the foldout, reinforcing verbal communication and storytelling skills.
- Have them write a short paragraph or journal entry imagining they are an astronaut witnessing a lunar eclipse from space!
🔢 Math & Measurement
- Teach kids about the approximate time a lunar eclipse lasts, and compare it to a solar eclipse.
- Introduce simple fractions by discussing how the Moon is partially or fully covered during different phases.
- For older kids, incorporate distance measurements (how far the Moon is from Earth) and discuss gravitational effects.
🖥️ Tech & Science Integration
- Watch a real-time NASA video of a lunar eclipse and compare it to the foldout.
- Use a moon phase app to track when the next lunar eclipse will happen.
- Have students create a digital version of the foldout using Google Slides, Canva, or interactive whiteboards.
🌎 Geography & Cultural Connections
- Talk about how different cultures and ancient civilizations viewed lunar eclipses (e.g., the Inca, Chinese, and Norse myths about the Moon being “eaten” by a dragon or jaguar).
- Show a world map and discuss which parts of the world can see a total, partial, or penumbral eclipse during specific events.
🎨 Creativity & Art Integration
Create a 3D lunar eclipse model with clay, foam balls, or paper mâché to further reinforce the concept.
Encourage kids to draw their own version of a lunar eclipse and add it to their foldout.
Use pastels or watercolors to illustrate the red glow of a total lunar eclipse.
Grab the Free Printable
To grab the free printable, put your name and email in the pink box below. We’ll send it straight to your inbox. We’ll also let you know when we have new free printables.
This is for personal or classroom use only—not for commercial use. Thank you!
Looking for even more space crafts and activities? Our Rocking Space Craft Printable is an exciting way for kids to create their own moving space scene, while the Handprint Rocket Ship Craft is a perfect keepsake to go along with a space unit study.
You can also explore different planets with our Planet Report Worksheets and Planet Coloring Pages—a great way to tie art and learning together! 🚀🌕
This Lunar Eclipse Foldout Printable is a fun, educational, and interactive way to teach kids about the phases of a lunar eclipse while incorporating hands-on learning.
Whether you’re a teacher, homeschool parent, or just looking for a creative way to introduce space science, this printable is the perfect addition to your lesson plan. Download your free template, print, and start exploring the wonders of the Moon today!
