There are many Native American myths and legends that are based on solar and lunar eclipses. These are attempts to explain to others natural occurrences. Native Americans see themselves as part of the Earth and part of nature as a whole so their stories are used to teach young and old alike about natural events and about relationships among people and people and nature. How Coyote Was the Moon, for example, is a Kalispel story about the moon in general and it could be used to get students talking about the moon and what it looks like. Science activities accompany each of the stories.
Students design a skit or play that illustrates various cultural beliefs about eclipses.
These skits could be performed for the rest of the class as they study how different cultures interpret the meaning of eclipses. Whenever a solar eclipse occurs, we are warned by the media and the medical community not to look directly at the Sun. While looking directly at the Sun is never a good idea, it is particularly harmful during a solar eclipse. It is believed that Christopher Columbus used his knowledge of solar eclipses to impress West Indian natives. Because he knew when the eclipse was to occur, he was able to use this natural event to solidify his power over the native population.