DE Science Elementary “5-Minute Prep” For The Earth, Sun, and Moon Moon Eclipses
Eclipses – The Big Ideas Solar and lunar eclipses are created by the relative positions of the sun, Earth, and moon. A solar eclipse takes place when the moon passes directly between the sun and Earth and casts a shadow on Earth. A lunar eclipse takes place when Earth passes directly between the sun and the moon and casts a shadow on the moon.
Eclipses – Prior Knowledge Learning about eclipses is a complex topic and one on which most young children will not have much background knowledge. It will help the students to see images, video, and if possible, participate in a hands on activity that will help them understand more about eclipses. It will be helpful for students to view the FUN-damental, Cycles in the Sky. It would also help if they:Cycles in the Sky –Have seen an eclipse happening, or at least video or images of one. –Clearly understand the positions of the Earth, sun and moon.
Eclipses – Common Misconception It is dangerous to look at the sun during any eclipse. –Reality: A solar eclipse is dangerous to view when any portion of the sun’s light-emitting surface, called the photosphere, is visible to the eye. However, during the totality segment of any total solar eclipse, the moon’s greater apparent size hides the sun’s photosphere completely, making it possible to safely view the eclipse.
Eclipses – Using DE Science Content When you close this presentation, you can review the following recommended resources for Eclipses. Exploration: EclipsesEclipses Reading Passage: Where Did the Sun Go?Where Did the Sun Go? eBook: So PredictableSo Predictable Use the PowerPoint version of this presentation for hyperlinks to these resources or you can get to them through the browser or search feature.
Eclipses – Instructional Ideas Students can use the Exploration to investigate both lunar and solar eclipses. –First students will put the Earth, moon, and sun into the right positions to make either a solar or lunar eclipse. –Then, the students will see animation of what is happening on Earth, and what is happening in space during an eclipse. Have students read the passage, Where Did the Sun Go? –They will read about people in ancient China and India being afraid of an eclipse. –Ask the students to write a letter to the people in China or India explaining what is happening when the sun disappears.
Eclipses – Instructional Ideas Before students read the eBook, So Predictable, generate some things in their lives and in nature that are predictable. –Then, students can read the eBook about how predictable eclipses can be when scientists study the Earth, sun, and moon. –When they are finished reading, ask students to explain why eclipses do not happen every year. Students can act out solar and lunar eclipses by role playing and acting out positions in which an eclipse would be possible.
State Standards: If you wish to review your state standards regarding Eclipses, click here to get to the curriculum standards search feature of DES. You can click on any standard to see what resources are available to teach it. Additional Information: For additional content, check the Extend section within the concept.