Creating Eclipses: Using Scale Models to Explore How Eclipses Happen

ABSTRACT

The importance of using proportional scaled models in teaching about eclipses to elementary- and middle-level students is presented in this article. The authors illustrate how using creative models to display the basic concepts of shadows, scale, and perspective can foster a deeper understanding of how eclipses occur. Three innovative, easy-to-construct, scaled models are described as effective tools to enhance students’ understanding of eclipses. The models include space perspective on cast shadows, Earth perspective on solar eclipses, and the Moon's orbital plane around Earth.

KEYWORDS:

• astronomy patterns
• eclipse models
• Moon
• scale
• shadows