Eclipse Lesson - Solar and Lunar - UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2026 - This lesson package includes the lesson (student and teacher versions of the presentation), an auto-graded Exit Ticket to check student understanding, a comprehension reading, a lab station activity, a video worksheet, and a student lesson handout as a document. The presentation is fun and applicable with THRE videos embedded into the lesson and many opportunities for inquiry-based learning and discussion.

In order, the lesson covers:

• Eclipse overview
• Solar eclipse
• Video worksheet with answers
• Lunar eclipse

Included in the lesson package is:

• Google and Office versions of each resource
• An auto-graded Exit Ticket
• Lab Station Activity
• Eclipse Comprehension Reading
• The teacher version of the presentation
• The student version of the presentation
• THREE videos embedded into the presentation
• Video worksheet with answers
• Student lesson handout

Buyer Comments:

- "Great resource. Thank you for embedding videos and a simulation!"

- "Lots of info and very thorough!"

- "Great resource! LOVED the videos! thanks!"

- "very helpful, thank you!"

- "My students enjoyed this power point and the notes that went with it. It was exactly what we needed to help us understand the differences between the two different types of eclipses."

- "Great bundle to teach a difficult/confusing topic. We liked it."

- "The simulator was great for my students."

- "Fabulous resource! Thank you so much!"

NGSS:

• MS-ESS1-1 - Develop and use a model of the Earth-sun-moon system to describe the cyclic patterns of lunar phases, eclipses of the sun and moon, and seasons.
• MS-ESS1-2 - Develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity in the motions within galaxies and the solar system.

Specifically, the lesson covers topics like solar and lunar eclipses and their causes. Developing a model to explain the Earth-sun-moon system that results in eclipses directly addresses MS-ESS1-1. Discussing how gravity controls orbital motions of celestial bodies in the context of explaining eclipses links to aspects of MS-ESS1-2 as well.

By learning about the phenomena of solar and lunar eclipses through developing explanatory models, students have the opportunity to demonstrate understanding of key ideas outlined in these NGSS middle school Earth and space science standards. The various lesson components provide supportive instruction toward meeting the performance expectations.

• This lesson includes both Office and Google formats for ALL resources. The presentation is in PowerPoint and Google Slides while all documents contain Word and Google Doc versions.
• Your resource is perfect for distance learning and integrates seamlessly with Google Classroom as I've included a link that will automatically create a copy of the resources and put them directly into your Google Drive with one click.
• Purchase --> Open --> Click --> Assign to your students

Having both options allows you to use either without worrying about formatting issues as all the work has already been done for you. It safeguards you in case your department or school decides to go Google 100% and allows you as well as your students to access everything no matter where you are or what kind of equipment is being used.

***********This activity can also be found bundled at a significant discount in my Eclipse - Solar and Lunar - Complete 5E Lesson Bundle. If you'd like to take a look, please CLICK HERE.

The student version of the presentation contains multiple blanks that need to be filled in throughout the lesson. These blanks are conveniently underlined and bolded on the teacher copy. I have found this to be the most effective means of keeping my students engaged and active without having them write everything out. This also leaves more time for discussion and activities.

This lesson can also be found within the Space Unit by clicking here.

Lessons Included:

Lesson 1 - Space - An Introduction

Lesson 2 - Our Solar System

Lesson 3 - Life in Outer Space

Lesson 4 - The Life and Death of Stars

Lesson 5 - The Seasons and Earth's Tilt

Lesson 6 - The Moon

Lesson 7 - Eclipse - Solar and Lunar

Lesson 8 - Galaxies, Other Objects, and the Universe

Lesson 9 - The Immensity of the Universe

I also have a range of assignments and lessons/units from other grade levels at my store. Please CLICK HERE to have a look around and don’t forget to follow if you like what you see.