SECTION 3: SOLAR AND LUNAR ECLIPSES
LAB
INTRODUCTION
Westminster College
Eclipses are caused when something blocks the Sun’s light and causes a
shadow. Solar eclipses are a partial or total darkening of the Sun
occurring when the moon moves between the Earth and the Sun. Lunar eclipses are a
partial or total darkening of the moon occurring when the Earth’s shadow falls on the
moon.
ASSESSMENT ANCHORS ADDRESSED
S4.A.3.1
Use models to illustrate simple concepts and compare the models to what
they represent.
S4.A.3.3
Identify and make observations about patterns that regularly occur and
reoccur in nature.
S4.D.3.1
Describe Earth’s relationship to the sun and the moon.
PURPOSE
Students will use models of the Earth, moon, and Sun to create their own eclipses in the
classroom.
MATERIALS
For the class:
For each pair:
1 lamp with bulb 1 Styrofoam ball
Extension cord* 1 toothpick
Globe*
Book*
Teacher provides items marked with *
Westminster College SIM
Page 1