Paper Plate Moon Craft: How to Make for Stellar Fun- Rock Your Homeschool

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Enjoy a frugal and fun activity with your kids using this paper plate moon craft. It's a simple, hands-on way to work on both a creative and educational project.

This easy paper plate moon craft uses only a few supplies. It's easy to set up and excellent for exploring moon themes, the solar system, moon phases, or just having some rainy day fun. Whether you’re a homeschool mom, grandparent, teacher, or librarian, this budget-friendly craft is sure to be a hit. My boys have loved it and I hope your students do, too.

I'm sharing all the details you need to get started, including a supply list, step-by-step instructions, and some creative ideas for how to tie this craft into your lessons or just have some hands-on fun.

Paper plate moon craft in black and yellow with glow-in-the-dark star stickers.

Science + Art = Lots of Learning Fun!

I love when you can combine subjects to really take learning to the next level. There's something amazing about seeing your kids' faces light up when you pair a math lesson with an art project (like with our mandala multiplication activities) or history with music (like the music appreciation study we're using from Beautiful Feet Books).

As a busy homeschool mom, I've always tried to make the most of our time. Combining subjects when possible just makes sense and really taps into different learning styles to help concepts sticks.

When my younger boys were working on our free printable moon phases foldable activity, they remembered this paper plate moon craft that we did. It was amazing to hear them chat about the experience and all that they remembered about the phases of the moon from it. I was a bit surprised because they were little when we worked on that craft. You just never know what will stick!

What You'll Need for This Moon Craft for Kids

Before you start this lunar craft, I suggest that you gather these materials so you're ready to go. Feel free to make substitutions with supplies you already have.

2 paper plates
Black paint
Yellow paint
Paintbrushes
Scissors
Glue (craft glue or hot glue)
Glow-in-the-dark star stickers or star-shaped cutouts

If you don't have glow-in-the-dark star stickers (or paints), no worries! Use a color that contrasts with the black (maybe white or gray). Also, if you'd rather not use paint, try tempera paint sticks (like Kwik Stix) that make this project relatively mess-free.

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White paper plate, paint palette with yellow and black paints, green paint brush, scissors, and glow-in-the-dark star stickers.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Your Paper Plate Moon

Paint the Background.

Take one paper plate and paint the entire back side black. Let it dry completely.

Paper plate painted black with green paint brush and black and yellow paint.

Create the Crescent Moon.

Take the second paper plate and lightly draw a crescent moon shape on it. Carefully cut along the outline to create the moon shape.

Paper plate cut into crescent shape on black construction paper.

Paint the Moon.

Paint the crescent moon shape yellow. Allow it to dry completely.

Assemble the Craft.

Apply glue to the back of the crescent moon and attach it to the black-painted paper plate.

Black paper plate with yellow painted crescent shape.

Add Stars.

Glue (or stick) glow-in-the-dark stars around the black background to create a night sky effect.

Glow-in-the-dark stars on black section of paper plate moon craft.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Paper Plate Moon Craft

What age group is this paper plate moon craft suitable for?

This craft is perfect for kids of all ages! Younger children (ages 3-5) can enjoy the simple painting and cutting (with supervision). Older kids (ages 6+) can add more detailed aspects like different moon phases or even experiment with a variety of textures and colors for their moon.

Can this craft be used for learning about the moon phases?

Yes! You can easily turn this into a learning opportunity by making different phases of the moon on separate paper plates, from a full moon to a new moon. This is a great hands-on activity to reinforce the concept of the moon’s phases in your class or homeschool science lessons.

Example of paper plate moon craft with glow-in-the-dark star stickers.

Creative Ideas for Making and Using This Craft

Want to add some extra touches to your paper plate moon (or just have some extra time to fill)? Consider using other supplies, like cotton balls or sponges to make a bumpy texture. Glitter glue (especially silver) can add a glittery feel and look super cool.

Pair this lunar activity with our free printable moon phases foldable activity. Make a mess-free phases of the moon diorama with our free printable kit.

Along with the craft, you can add fun facts about the moon, explore its phases, or talk about its role in the solar system. You could also tie this craft into a space unit study or the history of moon landings.

I encourage you (when you have the time) to make several paper plate moon crafts to represent each moon phases. When you have completed all, display on a wall, windows, or bulletin board. Add labels for a fantastic visual learning tool.

Additional Ways to Have Out of This World Fun

If you're using this craft as part of an educational theme (or just want to boost the fun), pair it with some of our free printables, like:

The Moon Book (New & Updated Edition)I Took the Moon for a Walk Moon! Earth's Best Friend (Our Universe, 3)450 Pieces Moon Phase Scrapbooking Stickers Moon Planner Decals Round Astrology Stickers for DIY Decoration Personalize Laptops Bullet Scrapbook Suitcase Notebooks Album Journal TINYMILLS 24 Pcs Outer Space Rocket Multi Point Stackable Push Pencil Assortment with Eraser for Space Birthday Party Favor Prize Carnival Goodie Bag Stuffers Classroom Rewards Suck UK | Moon Pencil Eraser | Rubbers Erasers for Kids Stationary | Kids Party Bag Fillers & Party Favours | Novelty Erasers | Cool Stationary for Boys | Space Gifts & Moon Gift | Classroom Gifts

⭐ Doesn't this paper plate moon craft look amazing? I'd love to read your ideas - and if you have any questions. Please share in the comments area at the bottom of this post!

Paper Plate Moon Craft: How to Make for Stellar Fun