Solar Versus Lunar Eclipses
Written by Adi Ackerman, Head Teacher
"Solar Versus Lunar Eclipses" is written for 6th Grade (Ages 11-12), and it covers NGSS MS-ESS1-1. If your student is a year younger but already steady on Earth and space, the page still works. You may just need to read the instructions out loud. And if they are older and moon phases and eclipses never quite stuck, this is a short review rather than busywork.
2 pages in this set
6th grade science worksheet: label solar and lunar eclipse diagrams with umbra and penumbra, then compare the two in a chart. Answer key included. Part of our moon phases and eclipses earth and space collection. Aligned to NGSS standards.
How do I use this worksheet?
Have students read the text first and shade or label the diagram before they answer the questions. A ball and a lamp can help them see why half of the Moon is always lit.
What students will practice
- Students will label the Sun, Moon, Earth, umbra and penumbra on two eclipse diagrams.
- Students will chart the alignment, Moon phase, viewers and length of solar and lunar eclipses.
- Students will explain why eclipses do not happen every month.
Curriculum Links
Next Generation Science Standards
Science · 6th Grade
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FAQ
How do I use this moon phases and eclipses worksheet?
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Have students read the text first and shade or label the diagram before they answer the questions. A ball and a lamp can help them see why half of the Moon is always lit.
What does this worksheet teach?
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Label solar and lunar eclipse diagrams with umbra and penumbra, then compare the two in a chart. The directions on the page read: Read the text and study diagrams A and B. In each diagram, write Sun, Moon, Earth, umbra or penumbra in each box. Each word is used once in each diagram. An answer key is included.
Can I use this moon phases and eclipses worksheet for homeschool or classroom?
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Yes, both. We made it for 6th Grade Earth and space, and the page works the same whether it lands on a kitchen table or a center rotation. At home, most families go through it together and talk the answers out loud, and that talking is where most of the learning happens with moon phases and eclipses. In class it runs well as independent work while you pull a small group. Print one copy or thirty, whichever the day needs.
How many phases does the Moon have?
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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.
What is the difference between a solar and a lunar eclipse?
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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?
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The Moon's orbit is tilted a little. Most months, the Moon passes just above or below the shadow.
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Worksheet Details
| Grade | 6th Grade |
| Subject | Science |
| Topic | Earth and Space |
| Standard | MS-ESS1-1 |
| Pages | 2 pages |
| Difficulty | Medium |
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