Lesson Plan - The Day the Sun Disappears

Watch a Video
Watch the video “What You Need to Know About Solar Eclipses” and discuss: What happens during a solar eclipse? What are the different kinds of solar eclipses?

Preview Words to Know
Project the online vocabulary slideshow and introduce the Words to Know.

• totality
• partial
• contiguous

Set a Purpose for Reading
As students read, have them think about why the April 8 eclipse is making headlines.

1. According to the article, what causes a total solar eclipse?
According to the article, a total solar eclipse happens when the moon moves between Earth and the sun. The moon blocks nearly all the sun’s light, and day seems like night.
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2. How is experiencing a total solar eclipse different from experiencing a partial solar eclipse, based on the article?
The article explains that when you experience a total solar eclipse, you are in total darkness. When you experience a partial solar eclipse, some or most of the sun’s light is blocked.
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3. According to the sidebar, “How to Watch Safely,” how can you safely view a solar eclipse?
According to the sidebar, “How to Watch Safely,” you can safely view a solar eclipse by wearing special viewing glasses, called eclipse glasses. They stop the sun’s harmful rays from reaching your eyes.
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FEATURED SKILL: Reading a Chart
Share the skill builder “Eclipse Myths” to explore some of the many stories ancient civilizations told to explain solar eclipses. After completing the chart activity, challenge students to write their own eclipse myths.
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