• Class: Primary 6
  • Term: 1st Term
  • Week: 5-6
  • Age: 11 years
  • Duration: 40 minutes
  • Subject: Basic Science and Technology
  • Curriculum Theme: Basic Science
  • Previous Lesson: The Earth and the Movement
  • Topic: Earth Movement: The Eclipse
  • Content: Solar eclipse, Lunar eclipse, The sun: Effects of interaction between the sun and the earth

Performance Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

  • Cognitive Domain: Explain the earth’s rotation on its axis and its revolution around the sun, and describe solar and lunar eclipses.
  • Affective Domain: Appreciate the importance of understanding natural phenomena like eclipses in our daily lives.
  • Psychomotor Domain: Illustrate the earth’s orbit and the positions of the earth, moon, and sun during an eclipse.
  • Social Domain: Discuss with peers how solar and lunar eclipses affect cultural and religious beliefs in different societies.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

  • A globe or a model of the earth, moon, and sun
  • Flashcards illustrating the different types of eclipses
  • Diagrams showing the earth’s rotation and revolution
  • A flashlight and a small ball to simulate eclipses

Rationale for the Lesson

Understanding the eclipse, the movement of the earth and its interaction with the sun and moon is crucial for explaining natural phenomena like eclipses. These concepts are fundamental in science and help pupils appreciate how celestial events impact our world.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils already have a basic understanding of the earth’s movement and its relationship with the sun.

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES:

Learning Area: Earth Movement: The Eclipse

To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:

Content DevelopmentTimeTeaching MethodTeaching StrategyTeachers ActivityPupils ActivityLearning Point
Step 1: Introduction (Set induction)5 minsInteractive LectureQuestioningIntroduce the lesson by asking pupils if they have ever heard of or seen an eclipse. Use a globe and a flashlight to demonstrate the basic concept.Respond to questions and observe the demonstration.Gain interest and relate to prior knowledge.
Step 2: Earth’s Rotation and Revolution10 minsDemonstration and ExplanationUse of visual aidsExplain how the earth rotates on its axis and revolves around the sun. Use diagrams and models to show the movement.Observe the demonstration, ask questions, and take notes.Understand the earth’s movement in space and its effects.
Step 3: Explaining Solar and Lunar Eclipses10 minsGroup WorkVisual SimulationShow the difference between solar and lunar eclipses using diagrams and models. Explain how the sun, moon, and earth align to create each type.Participate in the group work, observe the models, and discuss among peers.Differentiate between solar and lunar eclipses.
Step 4: Effects of Sun-Earth Interaction5 minsDiscussionInteractive DiscussionDiscuss the effects of the interaction between the sun and the earth, focusing on eclipses and how they affect life on earth.Engage in the discussion, sharing ideas and understanding the effects of eclipses.Grasp the broader implications of eclipses on earth.
Step 5: Conclusion5 minsReview and ReinforcementRecap and EmphasisSummarize the key points of the lesson. Emphasize the importance of understanding eclipses and the movements of celestial bodies.Listen attentively and ask final questions if any.Reinforce the key concepts of earth movement and eclipses.
Step 6: Note Taking3 minsDictationNote PreparationGuide pupils to copy key notes into their exercise books.Copy the notes as guided by the teacher.Have a written reference of the lesson content.
Step 7: Evaluation2 minsQ&AOral EvaluationAsk pupils questions based on the lesson to evaluate their understanding.Answer the questions orally.Assess the comprehension of the topic and reinforce learning.

Lesson Content

Earth Movement: The Eclipse

The earth rotates on its axis, which is an imaginary line passing through the North and South Poles. This rotation causes day and night. The earth also revolves around the sun in an orbit, and this journey around the sun takes one year.

Solar Eclipse

A solar eclipse happens when the moon moves between the earth and the sun. This alignment causes the moon to block the sun’s light from reaching the earth. During a solar eclipse, the day can suddenly become dark as if it’s night, even though it’s daytime. This darkness occurs because the moon is casting a shadow on the earth.

Solar Eclipse for primary 6
Solar Eclipse 2017 Diagram – Business Insider

Lunar Eclipse

A lunar eclipse occurs when the earth moves between the sun and the moon. In this position, the earth blocks the sun’s light from reaching the moon. When this happens, the earth casts a shadow on the moon, causing the moon to appear darkened. Sometimes, the moon can take on a reddish color during a lunar eclipse, which is often called a “blood moon.”

Lunar eclipse for primary 6
Image: A Near-Miss Total Lunar Eclipse – Sky & Telescope

Lesson Evaluation:

To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:

  1. Describe the difference between the earth’s rotation and its revolution.
  2. Explain how a solar eclipse occurs.
  3. Describe what happens during a lunar eclipse.
  4. Discuss one effect of the interaction between the sun and the earth.
  5. Illustrate the positions of the sun, earth, and moon during a solar eclipse.