S2.9.7 For the adult
Eclipses
Why does the Sun sometimes go dark in the day?
What this chapter teaches
An eclipse of the Sun happens when the Moon is between the Sun and the Earth, and an eclipse of the Moon happens when the Earth's shadow falls on the Moon. Never look at the Sun, even in an eclipse; a pinhole viewer lets you look at paper instead.
Three questions to ask
There is no one right wording. Listen for the idea.
- What lines up in an eclipse of the Sun?
- Why is there not an eclipse every month?
- How could you watch an eclipse of the Sun without looking at the Sun?
After the chapter, the learner can
- Explain how the Moon blocks the Sun's light in an eclipse
- Make a pinhole viewer. Watch an eclipse facing away from the Sun
- Explain how the Earth's shadow causes an eclipse of the Moon
What they copy into their notebook
The Moon blocks the Sun at new Moon. That is an eclipse of the Sun. The Earth's shadow falls on the Moon at full Moon. That is an eclipse of the Moon. Never look at the Sun.