Where Did the Sun Go?

In this lesson plan, students will analyze and interpret data from the investigation to find patterns in how their location in North America will determine if they will see a total or partial solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. Students will develop a model to communicate how the Earth, sun, moon system align to cause a solar eclipse. This lesson plan is designed for NGSS Standard MS-ESS1-1.

Topics

  • solar eclipse
  • Moon
  • Sun
  • Earth
  • umbra
  • penumbra
  • total eclipse
  • partial eclipse
  • solar corona
  • new Moon phase
  • celestial phenomenon
  • astronomy
  • natural events
  • eclipse viewing
  • MS ESS1-1