1. The Moon Developing: Describe what a natural satellite is.
Secure: Explain how a solar eclipse occurs.
Exceeding: Observe the different phases of the moon.
Entrance Activity
Tool Box – Key Words
Artificial Satellite
Natural Satellite
Moon
Orbit
Phases

2. Teacher Explanation
What is a Satellite?
An object that orbits a planet or a moon. There are two types of satellite; artificial and natural.
What do you think a “natural” satellite is?
What do you think a “artificial” satellite is?
A natural satellite is an astronomical object which is orbiting a planet or moon. It wasn’t placed there by man.
An artificial satellite is a piece of machinery that orbits a moon or planet, which was placed there by man.

3. Student Reading Activity
The Moon
Our moon is classed as non-luminous. This means that it doesn’t produce its own light. The reason we are able to see the moon is because it reflects the Suns light back towards us. Sometimes the Moon can appear to be in different shapes (Crescent, Gibbous, Full Moon). This is because the Earths blocks out some of the Sun’s light from hitting the Moon, cause half of the moon to appear missing.
On very rare occasions the Moon can actually block out the Sun. This only happen when the Earth, Moon and Sun line up. We call this a Solar eclipse and it only lasts for a couple of minutes.
Read through the following text and write down 5 key facts about our moon.

4. The Moon Developing: Describe what a natural satellite is.
Secure: Explain how a solar eclipse occurs.
Exceeding: Observe the different phases of the moon.
Entrance Activity
Tool Box – Key Words
Artificial Satellite
Natural Satellite
Moon
Orbit
Phases

5. Eclipses
A solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth, casting a shadow over the Earth.
The last solar eclipse over the UK was on 11th August They are rare in the UK.
A lunar eclipse happens when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow over the Moon.
Photo credit: Suszter Balázs
Image shows a partial eclipse in May 2003 over Balaton in Hungary.
Lunar eclipses happen in most years.

6. Solar Eclipse A solar eclipse Video

7. Video
Solar Eclipse
Grade C: Write a description of what a solar eclipse is.
Grade B: Explain how a solar eclipse occurs.
Grade A: Draw a diagram to support your explanation.
7mins

8. What happens during a solar eclipse?
Where must the Moon be for a solar eclipse to take place?
During a solar eclipse the Moon moves directly between the Sun and the Earth, blocking the Sun’s rays from reaching part of the Earth.
If viewing a solar eclipse, always use eclipse viewers, NEVER look directly at the Sun.

9. What happens during a lunar eclipse?
Where must the Moon be for a lunar eclipse to take place?
During a lunar eclipse the Moon is on the opposite side of the Earth to the Sun, blocking the Sun’s light from reaching the Moon.

10. The Moon Developing: Describe what a natural satellite is.
Secure: Explain how a solar eclipse occurs.
Exceeding: Observe the different phases of the moon.
Entrance Activity
Tool Box – Key Words
Artificial Satellite
Natural Satellite
Moon
Orbit
Phases

11. Phases of the Moon Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76-HAqNKqKA
- alternative

12. Phases of the Moon Complete the Phases of the moon activity sheet.
Learning Activity
Phases of the Moon
Complete the Phases of the moon activity sheet.
Extension Activity
On question two, add the names of all the different types of moons.

13. The Moon Developing: Describe what a natural satellite is.
Secure: Explain how a solar eclipse occurs.
Exceeding: Observe the different phases of the moon.
Entrance Activity
Tool Box – Key Words
Artificial Satellite
Natural Satellite
Moon
Orbit
Phases