What causes an eclipse? How are solar and lunar eclipses different? Use this model to demonstrate how both solar and lunar eclipses occur. As students make observations, their partial understanding of these astronomical phenomena will move toward totality with this simple yet effective demonstration. Includes teacher instructions, detailed background section and student worksheet.
Concepts: Solar vs. lunar eclipses. Time Required: 15 minutes Note: Requires flashlight or other light source.
Specifications
Materials Included in Kit: Earth model block Styrofoam ball, 1.5" Styrofoam ball, 4", white Wire, 1/16", 18" long
Correlation to Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)†
Science & Engineering Practices
Developing and using models Obtaining, evaluation, and communicating information
Disciplinary Core Ideas
MS-ESS1.B: Earth and the Solar System HS-ESS1.B: Earth and the Solar System
Crosscutting Concepts
Systems and system models
Performance Expectations
MS-ESS1-1. Develop and use a model of the Earth-sun-moon system to describe the cyclic patterns of lunar phases, eclipses of the sun and moon, and seasons.
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