Modeling Solar and Lunar Eclipses

Students build a physical model of the Sun-Earth-Moon system to demonstrate how solar and lunar eclipses occur. Using a torch, a styrofoam ball, and a foil-covered Moon model, they explore the alignment needed for eclipses and understand why only certain locations on Earth experience them.

1. See links below for details on how to make and use the model.

Solar and Lunar Eclipse STEM Activity for Kids, Easy and Low-Prep - Naomi Meredith:

Classroom Demonstrations: Solar Eclipses - Institute of Physics:

📄 Creating eclipses in the classroom - Science in School: https://scienceinschool.org/article/2012/eclipses/

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.)