Summarize:

Use white construction paper cut in circles and color in the moon phases with markers or use halves of styrofoam balls glued to posterboard to make a 3D representation. Color in the foam balls with a black marker to show the waxing and waning of the moon phases. This is vital to being able to create an accurate chart. There are eight main phases of the moon, each lasting roughly 3.5 days. The phase of the moon depends upon the way in which the moon is positioned in relation to the sun and earth at any given time. The eight phases are: New moon Waxing crescent First quarter Waxing gibbous Full moon Waning gibbous Last quarter Waning crescent Different positions of the moon relative to the earth and sun produce the visible phases of the moon. The moon phases chart is designed to describe the visibility of the moon at different points as it orbits the earth. By placing Earth in the center of your chart, you keep this concept in perspective. The sun is typically placed on the right side of the chart. This is important, because the moon phase depends upon the moon's relation to both the earth and the sun. If you place the sun to the left of the earth, you would have to move all of the moon phases to match this new position. The relationship of these three bodies is important, but the actual determination of right or left side is arbitrary. The earth orbits the sun and the sun is never at a stationary "left or right" in relation to the earth.
Make a 2D chart or a 3D chart. Know the phases of the moon. Place Earth in the center of your chart. Place the sun on your chart.