The document discusses eclipses and provides myths and legends about them from different cultures. It explains that solar eclipses occur when the moon passes between the Earth and sun, casting its shadow on Earth. Lunar eclipses occur when the Earth passes between the sun and moon, and the Earth's shadow is cast on the moon. The document suggests doing a hands-on activity using balls and lamps to observe how eclipses are formed and includes links to NASA videos and worksheets on eclipses.

1. {{

2. Recap
What causes the phases of the moon?
Name the phases of the moon in order
starting with the New Moon
What Causes the seasons?
How does this affect the seasons at the
poles?

3. SPACE
Eclipses

4. Eclipse myths and legends
• In Ancient China, they believed that
solar eclipses were caused by a giant
dragon eating the sun. The Emperor
ordered that to frighten the dragon
away, loud drums were to be beaten
and arrows fired into the air. After the
few minutes, the loud noises and
weapons scared off the dragon, and
the sun returned.
• The ancient Inuit peoples believed
that the sun and moon were gods,
and during a solar eclipse they left
their places in the sky to see how
things were doing on Earth.
• Can you think of a legend explaining
lunar eclipses?

5. Video
 Nasa You Tube Clip
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=lNi5UFpales

6. Eclipses
 Eclipses happen
when one planetary
or celestial body
passes into the
shadow of another.
 Eclipse is a Greek
word that means
“cease to exist”.

7.  The two most common kinds of eclipses are:
 1. A Solar Eclipse – when the sun is blocked by the
moon.
 The moon’s shadow falls on the Earth and it seems to us that the sun
ceases to exist momentarily…
 …at least for the people under the black shadow.

8. Solar eclipse
• When the moon goes between the Sun
and the Earth, casting a shadow
Total Partial Annular

9. Practical Activity
In open area
Use the polystyrene balls and lamps to
observe how eclipses form.
Answer the questions on the prac sheet.

10. Solar Eclipse
 A solar eclipse happens when the moon
comes between the Sun and the Earth

11. Using your knowledge of solar eclipses
can you guess what a lunar eclipse is?
Solar
eclipse

12. Lunar eclipse

14. Worksheets
Paste the worksheets
into your books and have
a go at answering the
questions.

15. Quizlet
 Log onto GenEd and open Quizlet.
 Have a go at the flash cards first and then
try the other activities.
 Work through at your own pace and
challenge yourself with the game when
you’re ready.

16. Review
Explain the difference between a Solar and
Lunar Eclipse.