Eclipses

In this assignment, you will model how the lunar and solar eclipses happen.

Part 1: Investigating Lunar and Solar Eclipses

You will act out how lunar and solar eclipses happen. This follows chapter 6 of the Earth in Space book.

Procedure:

1. Observe the teacher using the sun/Earth/moon apparatus.

2. Follow steps 1-7 on p. 76 of the Earth in Space book.

3. In your journal, answer reflection questions 3 A-H on p. 77 of the Earth in Space book.

4. Read "Eclipses" on pp. 81-84 of the Earth in Space book. Note: this reading will help you answer questions 3 A-H.

Part 2: Analyzing the Geometry of Eclipses

You will build and use a model the phases of the moon. This follows chapter 6 of the Earth in Space book.

Procedure:

1. Observe the teacher using the sun/Earth/moon apparatus.

2. Follow steps 1-11 on pp. 78-79 of the Earth in Space book.

3. In your journal, answer reflection questions 2 A-D on p. 80 of the Earth in Space book.

Part 3: Observing a Solar Eclipse

Use solar eclipse glasses to observe the sun (never look at the sun without this sort of eye protection). The glasses block out the corona that normally makes the sun appear very large. Notice that its size to our eyes is comparable to the size of the moon.

On August 21, 2017 there will be a rare total solar eclipse. However, this will only be visible as a total eclipse in a 70 mile band in a path from Oregon to South Carolina. Read more here. The rest of North America will see a partial eclipse. Here in Washington, we will see an ~90% eclipse. Read more here.