Teaching Tips: Teaching Planetary Science - Eclipses

Eclipse of the Moon Classroom Activity and Demonstration

In this video, Andrew Cloud uses his students as physical representations of the earth and moon. Please note that some teachers prefer to use spheres to model this concept.

1. Ask for three volunteers. One student will be the sun (holding a flashlight), one will be the Earth, and one will be the Moon.
2. Ask students to think about what order the other students (Earth, Moon and Sun should be assembled to demonstrate a lunar eclipse.)
3. Have students provide suggestions for guiding their classmates into the correct sequence for the Sun, the Earth, and Moon. (The Moon revolves behind the Earth and moves into its shadow.)

Using the Lunar Eclipse Essentials video as Reinforcement

Use the Lunar Eclipse Essentials video as a reinforcement to the in-class demonstration of lunar and solar eclipses. To place the video in context to the lesson, follow the tips for using video below.

Ask students to look for the position of the penumbra and umbra and to answer the following question:

What is the sequence of the earth, moon and sun for a lunar and solar eclipse to occur?

After watching the video, take student responses to the question. As an assessment, ask students to explain how an eclipse occurs.

Eclipse Activities

Break class up into groups. Provide each group with colored pencils and white paper. Tell students that each group is responsible for drawing two diagrams, one of a lunar eclipse and one of a solar eclipse. Remind students that they must include the correct positions of the Earth, Moon, and Sun and the proper size and orientation of shadows.

After students complete the drawings ask them to create a series of questions that relate to the drawings and the Lunar Eclipse Essentials video.

As a culminating activity, each group chooses one question to pose to the rest of the class as part of a guided class discussion. Have students hand in the illustrations and questions at the end of the period for a homework grade.

Using Video

When showing a video always provide a Frame, a Focus and a Follow-up:

Frame

Provide a context that helps students pay attention to the main content of the video. Ask students questions about the topic explored in the video to activate prior knowledge.

Focus

Help students notice the important moments in the video by providing them with a specific focus, something to look for while they watch.

Follow-up

Provide an opportunity for students to summarize and discuss what they saw. Re-telling what they saw helps students consolidate their understanding and remember it.

Play the video multiple times to enhance understanding. Depending on your classroom set-up or the availability of computers or tablets, play the video for the entire class or encourage students to watch independently or in small groups. Pause the video at particular moments to review content or let students take notes. Let students know it is okay to play the video as many times as necessary to gain a full understanding of the content.