Skip To Main Content
one student holds a flash light pointed at a styrofoam ball which acts like the moon, and then is also pointed at a bigger ball which acts as the earth to show the phases of the moon.
Why Does the Moon Play Peek-a-Boo?

Well, the moon always stays the same shape (a sphere, like a ball), but it looks different depending on how sunlight hits it as it orbits the earth. The moon doesn’t shine on its own—it reflects the sun’s light, and as it moves, we see different portions of that light.

Grade 5 students in Marissa Maglio-Kohler’s class at Riccardi Elementary School got hands-on to figure it all out! Armed with a flashlight (the sun), a ball (the earth), and a styrofoam moon, they explored how light and shadows create the moon’s different phases. Who knew science could be so illuminating?

More Stories

Students in Grade 1 at Riccardi all made cards and planted flowers to give to their mothers for Mother's Day.
Happy Mother's Day!

We intentionally waited a day to post this—because we didn’t want to spoil any surprises for the amazing moms of our Grade 1 students at Riccardi Elementary School!

Kindergarten students danced the night away during the Small Tall Ball
Small Tall Ball Celebrates Family, Fun, and Inclusion

Inspired by Frank J. Sileo’s book "The Small, Tall Ball", the second annual Small Tall Ball at Riccardi Elementary was a night full of joy, dancing, and connection! The event celebrated the idea that families come in all shapes and sizes—and every one is worth celebrating.

Students hold up a box full of socks that will be donated to the Darmstadt Shelter.
Riccardi Lions Roar for Their Community!

The Grade 5 and 6 students in Riccardi Elementary School’s Community Service Club, "Riccardi Lions Roar for Their Community," are making a real difference. These young leaders recently collected boxes full of personal hygiene products and 500 pairs of socks for the Darmstadt Shelter, which provides housing and support for individuals in substance abuse and mental health programs who need a clean and sober living environment.