Eclipse Science Digi Kit

This set of resources includes (1) an eclipse concept survey, which can be used as a pre-post assessment; (2) a set of fundamental eclipse selected response questions that test specific concepts related to the geometry of the Earth, Sun, and Moon, as well as observations of solar eclipses; (3) a set of open-ended homework prompts encourage students to reveal their thinking about eclipses and help to familiarize them with the frequency and location of visible eclipses; (4) a guided inquiry activity helps students to understand the geometry of solar eclipses by drawing proportional sketches of the Earth and Moon system from various perspectives; (5) and a Digi Kit.

A Digi Kit is a web-based interactive lab that blends physics, geometry, and astronomy as students build and use physical models to explore phenomena. Digi Kit resources include a core lesson plan, videos, simulations, tutorials, and readings.

Using the Eclipse Science Digi Kit learners will configure the model to mimic the perfect Earth/Moon alignment that takes place during a total solar eclipse and compare relative proportions of the size of the shadow produced by their model to a NASA video of the shadow crossing Earth during a real solar eclipse. In addition, the Digi Kit integrates digital models, animations, and simulations to deeply explore eclipse phenomena. Included in the Digi Kit are an open source Astronomy textbook, math challenges, an activity to build a "sun funnel" to view an eclipse, and professional development video for teaching about orbits and eclipses.

Access the full Digi Kit here or download the files below.