Astronomy Prep Guide
Astronomy Prep Guide
Lesson: Cosmic Shadows Alignment (Grade 4)
Teacher Resource
Learning Objective
Students will demonstrate the precise alignment of the Sun, Earth, and Moon for both solar and lunar eclipses using physical models and diagrams.
Lesson Timeline
- 5 min Warm-up: Flashlight Shadows demonstration.
- 10 min Viewing: Eclipse video with interactive predictions.
- 25 min Activity: Physical Orbit Models (Group work).
- 5 min Closure: Exit Ticket diagram.
Physical Materials
- Sun Source: 1 Lamp or high-powered flashlight per group.
- Moon/Earth: 2 Styrofoam balls (diff. sizes) per group.
- Mounts: Wooden dowels or sticks for the balls.
- Shadow Lab Worksheets.
Instructional Guidance
Warm-up: Flashlight Shadows
Ask students: "What happens to a shadow when we move the object closer to the light source?" Demonstrate that a closer object creates a larger, fuzzier shadow (penumbra effect), while moving it farther makes it smaller and sharper. This sets the stage for the Umbra/Penumbra discussion in the video.
Video Pauses (1:16 & 4:11)
The worksheet has space for these predictions. Ensure students write their guess BEFORE you hit play again.
Answer 1:16
New Moon
Answer 4:11
Full Moon
Activity Support: Orbit Models
Common pitfalls to watch for during the group activity:
- Scaling: Students often put the Moon too far away. Remind them the shadow must hit the "Earth" (the larger ball).
- Alignment: Ensure the Moon is on the horizontal plane with the Sun and Earth. If they hold it too high/low, no "eclipse" happens (demonstrating the 5-degree tilt concept from the end of the video!).
- Solar Eclipse: Order must be Sun -> Moon -> Earth.
- Lunar Eclipse: Order must be Sun -> Earth -> Moon.
Answer Key & Rubric
Exit Ticket Solution
Solar Eclipse: [SUN] → [MOON] → [EARTH]
The Moon's shadow should fall on a specific spot on the Earth.
| Criteria | Target (3 pts) | Partial (1-2 pts) |
|---|
| Diagram Accuracy | All 3 bodies in correct order; labels present. | Correct order but missing labels, or vice versa. |
| Shadow Concepts | Shadow is drawn showing blockage of light source. | Shadow is present but doesn't originate correctly. |
| Physical Modeling | Successfully created a visible shadow on the target. | Alignment was attempted but no shadow visible. |
Cosmic Shadows Slides
Cosmic Shadows
Exploring the Magic of Eclipses
4th Grade Astronomy Lab
Warm-up: Flashlight Shadows
Watch as we use a flashlight and a ball to create shadows.
Think-Pair-Share:
- What happens if we move the ball closer to the light?
- How can we make the shadow sharper?
Eclipse Mechanics
NASA Explorers
Embedded media
Pause at 1:16
Pause at 4:11
STOP! PREDICTION TIME
What phase does the moon need to be in for a Solar Eclipse?
New Moon?
Full Moon?
Record your guess on Part 1 of your worksheet!
STOP! PREDICTION TIME
What phase is the moon in during a Lunar Eclipse?
Hint: The moon must be on the opposite side of Earth so it can be fully illuminated before it is covered.
Record your guess on Part 1 of your worksheet!
Mission: Orbit Models
Physical Simulation in Groups of 3
The Sun
Holds the lamp or flashlight steady.
The Earth
Holds the large styrofoam ball.
The Moon
Orbits the Earth with the small ball.
Step 1: Solar Eclipse Alignment
1
Place the Moon between the Sun and the Earth.
2
Adjust the height until the shadow hits the Earth.
3
Draw this alignment in Box A.
Target Alignment
Step 2: Lunar Eclipse Alignment
Target Alignment
1
Place the Earth between the Sun and the Moon.
2
Watch the Moon pass through Earth's shadow.
3
Draw this alignment in Box B.
Cosmic Wrap-Up
Complete your Exit Ticket!
"Draw a quick diagram of a Solar Eclipse. Label the Sun, Moon, and Earth. Be sure to show the shadow!"
Shadow Lab Worksheet
Shadow Lab Worksheet
Mission: Cosmic Alignment
Name:
Date:
Part 1: Video Lab Predictions
Pause @ 1:16
What moon phase is needed for a Solar Eclipse?
New Moon
Full Moon
Quarter Moon
Pause @ 4:11
What moon phase is needed for a Lunar Eclipse?
New Moon
Full Moon
Quarter Moon
Part 2: Orbit Models Activity
Box A: Solar Eclipse Alignment
Draw your physical model setup. Show where the shadow falls!
Order of Alignment:
Box B: Lunar Eclipse Alignment
Draw your physical model setup. Show the Earth blocking the light.
Order of Alignment:
Space Vocabulary Challenge
The video mentioned two parts of a shadow. Can you name them?
Darkest Part
Lighter Part
Eclipse Snap Exit Ticket
Exit Ticket
Cosmic Alignment Check
Astronaut Name
Date
Task: Solar Eclipse Sketch
Draw a diagram of a Solar Eclipse. Be sure to label the Sun, Earth, and Moon in their correct order.
Bonus Check
Why don't we see an eclipse every single month?
Mission Control: Lesson Complete
