Activity 11:  Eclipses (GLEs:  2, 3, 4, 18, 64, 65, 66, 67)

CC:  Safety Note: Students should be cautioned against looking directly at the light source being used to represent the Sun in this activity.

In preparing for this activity the teacher should research if there will be any observable eclipses during the school year. If available, students will listen to a short version of Cat Stevens' song Moon Shadow. Previously, they may have thought of the Moon as being a reflector of light and not an absorber of light. Ask students to explain how an object can cause a shadow and what type of object produces a dark shadow. (Opaque solid) Ask students if the Moon can cause a shadow, what is the song writer telling us about the composition of the Moon.

Unitedstreaming video

http://unitedstreaming.com

Closer Look at the Moon, A: Space Science Series (20:00)

Lyrics -  MoonShadow by Cat Stevens

http://www.majicat.com/recordings/tatf.html

http://lyrics.rare-lyrics.com/C/Cat-Stevens/Moonshadow.html

Website for the schedule of the lunar & solar eclipses

http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/docs/UpcomingEclipses.html