FREE PRIMARY SCIENCE · Years 5–6 (challenge)
Challenge: Moon, tides and eclipses
How do the movements of Earth, the Sun and the Moon explain moon phases, eclipses and tides?
An extension topic. Builds on: Earth and the Sun (Year 6). Lesson 1 uses a torch and a ball on a stick to model why the Moon’s shape changes. Lesson 2 is a data mystery about real eclipses seen from Australia: why don’t we get an eclipse every month? Lesson 3 is a tide-table puzzle that links the Moon’s movement to the timing and height of tides. Lessons 2 and 3 are iPad-only. Previews Year 7 AC9S7U03.
3 free lessons · Australian Curriculum v9
Lessons in this topic
Each lesson includes a teacher plan and activities. Check its materials label before teaching.
Why does the Moon change shape?
Why do we see different shapes of the Moon across a month?
Open free interactive lesson →Eclipse detectives
If the Moon goes around Earth every month, why don’t we see an eclipse every month?
Open free interactive lesson →The tide timetable puzzle
Why are high tides about 50 minutes later every day, and bigger at some times of the month?
Open free interactive lesson →
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