Lesson Plan: Eclipses

Grade Level: 6-8

Objectives:

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

1. Explain what a solar eclipse and a lunar eclipse are.

2. Describe the conditions required for each type of eclipse to occur.

3. Identify the different phases of a solar and lunar eclipse.

4. Understand the impact of eclipses on Earth and why they occur.

Materials:

 Globe or Earth model

 Flashlight

 Ball (to represent the Moon)

 Ball (to represent the Sun)

 Eclipse diagram or model (printed or projected)

 Interactive simulation or video of a solar and lunar eclipse (optional)

 Paper and markers (for drawing)

 Worksheet with eclipse scenarios (optional)

Lesson Outline:

Introduction (10 minutes):

1. Hook: Start by showing a video or animation of an eclipse (solar or lunar) to grab students’
attention. You can use resources like NASA's website or a YouTube animation.

2. Ask Questions: Ask the class if anyone has ever seen an eclipse or heard about one. What do
they know about it? Write down key points they share on the board.

3. Introduce the Topic: Briefly explain that an eclipse happens when one celestial body (the Sun,
Moon, or Earth) blocks the light from another. The two types of eclipses are solar and lunar.
Direct Instruction (20 minutes):

1. Solar Eclipse:

o Definition: A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun,
blocking the Sun’s light.

o Conditions for a Solar Eclipse: Explain that this only happens during the new moon
phase when the Moon is between the Earth and the Sun.

o Phases of a Solar Eclipse: Describe the different phases (penumbra, umbra, total eclipse,
partial eclipse) and how the shadow of the Moon affects the Earth.

o Visual Demonstration: Use a flashlight to represent the Sun, a globe to represent the
Earth, and a ball to represent the Moon. Show the students how the alignment of these
objects causes a solar eclipse.

2. Lunar Eclipse:

o Definition: A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and the
Moon, causing the Earth’s shadow to fall on the Moon.

o Conditions for a Lunar Eclipse: Explain that this only happens during the full moon
phase when the Earth is between the Sun and the Moon.

o Phases of a Lunar Eclipse: Describe the penumbra and umbra in relation to the lunar
eclipse. The Moon may appear red during a total lunar eclipse (called a "blood moon").

o Visual Demonstration: Use the same model (flashlight, globe, and ball) to show how the
Earth casts a shadow on the Moon during a lunar eclipse.

Guided Practice (15 minutes):

1. Eclipse Simulation:

o Divide students into small groups and provide each group with a flashlight, globe, and
two balls (to represent the Sun, Earth, and Moon).

o Ask them to create both a solar and a lunar eclipse using the materials. Have them
switch roles to simulate both types of eclipses.

o As each group demonstrates their simulation, encourage them to explain what is

2. Discussion: Ask the class to discuss what they noticed about the shadow during the eclipses and
why the alignment of the Earth, Moon, and Sun is important for each type of eclipse.

Independent Practice (10 minutes):

1. Worksheet: Distribute a worksheet with scenarios or questions about solar and lunar eclipses.
Have students answer questions such as:

o When does a solar eclipse occur? What phase is the Moon in?
 o When does a lunar eclipse occur? What phase is the Moon in?

o Draw or describe what happens during a solar and lunar eclipse.

2. Extension: Ask students to research a specific solar or lunar eclipse (e.g., the 2017 total solar
eclipse or the upcoming lunar eclipse) and report on when and where it will happen, how long it
will last, and what people can expect to see.

Conclusion (5 minutes):

1. Review: Summarize the key points:

o The difference between a solar and lunar eclipse.

o The conditions required for each type of eclipse.

o The phases of a solar and lunar eclipse.

2. Exit Ticket: Ask each student to write down one key difference between a solar and lunar eclipse
on a sticky note or small piece of paper as they leave.

Assessment:

 Formative Assessment: Observe student participation during the eclipse simulation activity and
class discussions. Check for understanding during the demonstration of each eclipse type.

 Summative Assessment: Collect the worksheets to assess whether students understand the
conditions and phases of solar and lunar eclipses.

Differentiation:

 For Advanced Learners: Encourage students to explore the effects of eclipses on the
environment (e.g., temperature changes during a solar eclipse) or the historical significance of
eclipses (e.g., how they were once used to predict events).

 For Struggling Learners: Offer more visual aids and models to help illustrate the concepts. Allow
them to work with a partner during the group activity or provide simplified diagrams.

Homework (Optional):

1. Eclipse Research: Ask students to research and write a short paragraph about an upcoming
eclipse or a famous historical eclipse (e.g., the eclipse that helped confirm Einstein's theory of
relativity in 1919).

2. Eclipse Observation: If an eclipse is approaching, encourage students to safely observe it (using