What is the difference between a solar and a lunar eclipse?

In a solar eclipse the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, and it can only happen at new moon. In a lunar eclipse Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, and it can only happen at full moon. A lunar eclipse is safe to look at, but a solar eclipse needs special eclipse glasses.

Why don't eclipses happen every month?

The Moon's orbit is tilted a little. Most months, the Moon passes just above or below the shadow.

6th Grade Moon Phases and Eclipses Worksheets

Ages 11-12 · Free previews · Print-ready PDFs

Written by Adi Ackerman, Head Teacher

Moon phases are the changing shapes of the Moon's lit half as seen from Earth, and an eclipse happens when one object in space moves into the shadow of another. These Moon phases and eclipses pages hold 2 6th grade worksheets, each with an answer key. Moon Phases and the Moon's Orbit has students shade eight Moons on an orbit diagram and name each phase. Solar Versus Lunar Eclipses has students label the Sun, Moon, Earth, umbra and penumbra, then compare the two eclipses in a chart. Both sheets carry MS-ESS1-1.

6th Grade Science Earth and Space Moon phases and eclipses Clear All

Moon Phases and the Moon's Orbit

Grade6th Grade

TopicEarth and Space

Solar Versus Lunar Eclipses

Grade6th Grade

TopicEarth and Space

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Explore all of our 6th grade earth and space worksheets, covering moon phases and eclipses, seasons, solar system, gravity.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The sheet names eight: new moon, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, third quarter and waning crescent. Waxing means growing and waning means shrinking.

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