Page 8 - Kindergarten.indd

T E A C H E R N O T E S

Solar and Lunar Eclipses- SC.8.E.5.9

PURPOSE:
To identify the cause of solar and lunar eclipses.

HYPOTHESIS: (predictions will vary)

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The moon’s interaction with the Earth and Sun causes lunar and solar
eclipses. When the moon passes behind the Earth so that the Sun’s rays are
blocked from illuminating the moon, it is known as a lunar eclipse. During a
lunar eclipse, the Sun, Earth, and moon must be in perfect alignment with
the Earth in the middle. Lunar eclipses usually appear dimmer than the full
moon itself.

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes in between the Sun and Earth. At
this point, the moon fully or partially blocks the Sun’s rays as apparent from an
observer on Earth. Total solar eclipses last for just a few minutes and are a rare
occurrence.

DRAWING: (data collection will vary)

LABELING:

Solar Eclipse
Moon

Earth
Sun
_________________________ Eclipse

Earth
Lunar Eclipse

Sun
Moon

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