Moon Phases Reciprocal Learning Activity

This reciprocal learning activity gives students the opportunity to practice identifying and predicting moon phases. It also includes some information on the positions of the Sun and moon as they effect tides. The product also includes some bonus material that students can use prior to this activity to make sure they are comfortable and familiar with the moon phases when the Sun is located on the right side of the diagram and the left side of the diagram.

What is the Reciprocal Learning Strategy?
Reciprocal Learning is a student-pairing strategy designed with the principles of effective coaching in mind. Each pair of students forms a learning partnership committed to helping each other reach a particular learning goal. Each student plays two roles: as the player, each student works to complete an activity or solve a problem while “thinking out loud”; as a coach, each student observes the player’s work and listens to the player’s thinking while providing praise, feedback, and clues that help the player complete the activity. Because of these dual-roles, the power of learning is effectively doubled.

In this activity, each player is given 12 unique problems to solve as their coach guides, encourages, and provides support when needed. After these 12 problems are completed (and correct), the students switch roles and the second player solves 12 different problems as the other player coaches.

To see a quick overview of this teaching strategy,

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