Cosmic Shadows Slides
Cosmic Shadows
How the Moon plays hide and seek with the Sun!
Shadow Play
Can you make a big shadow on the wall using your ball and flashlight?
"What happens to the light when the ball gets in the way?"
Let's Watch: What is a Solar Eclipse?
Embedded media
Pause at 0:40
Who is the "Blocker"?
Orbit Actors
The Sun
Stand still and shine bright! (Use a lamp or window)
The Earth
Watch the Moon go around you!
The Moon
Walk in a circle around Earth. Walk between Sun and Earth!
Action: When the Moon blocks the Sun, it's an ECLIPSE!
Space Words
1
Solar Eclipse
When the moon blocks the sun's light.
2
Orbit
The circle path the moon takes around Earth.
3
Partial
Only part of the sun is covered.
4
Total
The whole sun is covered up!
NEVER LOOK AT THE SUN!
It can hurt your eyes very badly, even during an eclipse.
Only use real Eclipse Glasses!
Sunglasses are NOT safe.
Reflection Time
Get your drawing paper! Draw the Sun, the Moon, and the Earth lined up for an eclipse.
Don't forget to show the Moon's shadow!
Cosmic Shadows Teacher Guide
Cosmic Shadows
Teacher Facilitation Guide • Grade 1 Science
35 Minutes
Learning Objective
Students will understand that a solar eclipse occurs when the Moon moves between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the Sun's light and casting a shadow.
Materials Needed
- Flashlights (1 per group)
- Small balls (Styrofoam/tennis)
- "Space Sketch" Worksheet
- Crayons & Pencils
Lesson Procedure
1. Shadow Play (Warm-Up)
5 MIN
Introduce the concept of shadows using physical models.
Teacher Script:
"I have a flashlight 'Sun' and a ball 'Moon'. What happens if I put the ball in front of the light? Watch the wall! That dark spot is a shadow. The ball is blocking the light!"
2. Video Discovery
5 MIN
Watch "What Will Happen During the Solar Eclipse?" on the slides.
Pause at 0:40: Ask: "What just moved between the Earth and the Sun? Is it blocking the light?"
Safety Moment (2:25): Emphasize that we never look at the sun without special glasses. Sunglasses do not count!
3. Orbit Actors Activity
20 MIN
Students work in groups of 3 to roleplay the orbital alignment.
Student A: SUN
Stands still with light/lamp
Student B: EARTH
Faces the Sun
Student C: MOON
Orbits Earth
The "Moon" student should walk in a circle around the "Earth" student. Occasionally, they must pass directly between the "Sun" and "Earth" to create a "Total Eclipse."
4. Space Sketch (Reflection)
5 MIN
Students complete the worksheet, drawing the alignment they just roleplayed.
Key Understanding Check
Check for Mastery
Ask: "During an eclipse, who is blocking the sun's light?"
Expected answer: The Moon!
Common Misconception
Students may think the Sun "turns off" or goes away. Remind them it's just a shadow!
Cosmic Shadows Space Sketch
Name
Date
My Space Sketch
What does a solar eclipse look like from space?
The Eclipse Line-Up
Draw the Sun, the Moon, and the Earth in a straight line. Remember: The Moon must be in the middle to block the light!
DRAW HERE
Sun
Moon
Earth
