Shadows:

• Umbra = full shadow

• Penumbra = partial shadow

Chat Questions:

1. Which eclipse involves Earth's shadow?

2. Which eclipse is dangerous to look at?

Task (High Challenge):

• Create a detailed interview with the Moon.

• Include solar and lunar eclipses.

• Explain why eclipses are rare and include the effect of orbital tilt.

• Use full scientific vocabulary: alignment, umbra, penumbra, orbit.

• Create a detailed labeled diagram showing Sun, Earth, and Moon positions.

Roles:

• Interviewer, Moon, Earth, Sun, Designer, Presenter, Timekeeper, Editor/Checker

Submission:

• Upload the final interview and diagram to Padlet.

• Comment on ONE other group’s post: one strength, one suggestion.

Answer in chat:

1. Solar or lunar eclipse?

2. Object in the middle?

3. Location of the shadow?

Challenge: Why doesn’t this happen every month?

Task (Moderate Challenge):

Create an interview with the Moon explaining *solar and lunar eclipses**.

* Explain why eclipses do not happen every month.

* Use key scientific vocabulary: alignment, shadow.

Create a *clear, labeled diagram** of the eclipse positions.

* The Moon’s answers should use simple but correct sentences.

Roles:

* Interviewer, Moon, Earth, Sun, Designer, Presenter, Timekeeper, Editor/Checker

Submission:

* Upload the final interview and diagram to Padlet.

* Comment on ONE other group’s post: one strength, one suggestion.

Task (Supportive Challenge):

* Create a short interview with the Moon.

Focus only on identifying *solar vs lunar eclipse**.

Explain simply *why eclipses are rare**.

* Teacher provides sentence starters for Moon and Interviewer.

Draw a *simple labeled diagram** of one eclipse type.

Roles:

* Interviewer, Moon, Earth, Sun, Designer, Presenter, Editor

Submission:

* Upload the final interview and diagram to Padlet.

* Comment on ONE other group’s post: one strength, one suggestion.

You can view Gizmo below to show you as well the simulation:

https://apps.explorelearning.com/gizmos/launch-gizmo/644

Rate your group:

1. Science Accuracy – correct explanation of eclipses and alignment (Yes/No)

2. Explanation Quality – use of shadow, orbit, alignment (1–5)

3. Teamwork – did everyone participate? (1–5)

Reflection:

* We did best at: _______

* We can improve: _______

4- Comment on another group’s post: one strength and one suggestion.

Group (Red/Green/Blue)

Lesson Topic: Solar and Lunar Eclipses

Objectives:

* Analyze solar and lunar eclipses.

* Explain why eclipses do not occur every month.

* Model the alignment and shadows (umbra and penumbra).

Key Vocabulary:

* Solar eclipse

* Lunar eclipse

* Umbra

* Penumbra

* Alignment

* Orbit

Real-Life Connection:

* Observing a solar eclipse safely.

* Explaining why eclipses are rare events.

Instructions:

Read through the overview carefully. Be ready to discuss your current understanding during the Do Now activity.

Today’s lesson will follow this sequence:

1. Lesson Overview (2–5 min)

2. TIMSS Pre-Assessment (0–5 min)

3. Do Now / Initial Thoughts (10–12 min)

4. Learn – Teacher Explanation (I Do) (12–17 min)

5. Guided Practice (We Do) (17–22 min)

6. Group Task – Interview with the Moon (You Do) (22–32 min)

7. Group Assessment & Peer Feedback (32–35 min)

8. Exit Ticket (35–40 min)

9. Reflection

Instructions:
Read through this roadmap carefully so you understand what will happen during the lesson.

Moon: I block the Sun.

Interviewer: What is a lunar eclipse?

Moon: Earth blocks me.

Interviewer: Why are eclipses rare?

Moon: We are not in a straight line.

Sun → Moon → Earth