The reading level is lower than the grade level to facilitate the aquisition of new concepts. Follow-up lessons, below, include activities that engage both sides of the brain to maximize learning. Eclipse 1999 - an imaginary journey . The total eclipse of 1999 was not visible over most of the world. This inconvenience does not, however, preclude an imaginary journey and experience.
Students plan their own expedition to the now-historical eclipse.
Students prepare for the next solar eclipse over America in this goal-setting exercise that reinforces understanding of eclipses and their patterns. Students pretend they are living 1000 years ago and write their own myth to explain the observable phases of a total solar eclipse. Background material includes descriptions of historically important eclipse experiments, like the test of general relativity. Students produce their own 60 second TV commercial about eye safety and eclipse viewing. The students will review vocabulary related to solar eclipse, think logically to solve problems, and use communication skills and interpersonal skills to obtain, share, and synthesize information.