======Modeling Solar and Lunar Eclipses======


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**Alternative titles:** Sun-Earth-Moon Eclipse Demonstration
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====Summary====                   
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====Procedure====  
  - See links below for details on how to make and use the model.



====Links==== 
Solar and Lunar Eclipse STEM Activity for Kids, Easy and Low-Prep - Naomi Meredith: 
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Classroom Demonstrations: Solar Eclipses - Institute of Physics: 
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📄 Creating eclipses in the classroom - Science in School: [[https://scienceinschool.org/article/2012/eclipses/]]\\

====Variations====
  * Rotate the Moon around Earth to show why eclipses do not happen every month (introduce orbital tilt).
  * Use a larger group demonstration with a brighter lamp for whole-class visibility.
  * Project the shadows onto a wall or screen for clearer observation.



====Safety Precautions====
  * Ensure scissors and wires are handled carefully by students.
  * Use caution with the torch; do not stare directly into the beam.
  * Keep the workspace clear to avoid tripping over books, wires, or cardboard.




====Questions to Consider====
  * Why do solar eclipses only affect a small area of Earth? (Because the Moon’s shadow is small compared to Earth’s size.)
  * Why are lunar eclipses visible to more people than solar eclipses? (Because Earth’s shadow is much larger than the Moon.)
  * Why don’t eclipses happen every month? (The Moon’s orbit is tilted about 5° relative to Earth’s orbit around the Sun, so alignments don’t always occur.)
  * How could this model be adjusted to show partial eclipses? (By slightly offsetting the Moon so only part of Earth or the Moon is in shadow.)