Teachable Moment: Watching This Month's Total Lunar Eclipse A full moon is always a good reason to go outside and turn your head toward the sky, but those who do so early on January 31 will be treated to the sight of a total lunar eclipse (and a supermoon)! It's the only total lunar eclipse visible from North America in 2018, so it's a great opportunity for students to observe the Moon – and for teachers to make connections to in-class science content. In the latest Teachable Moment from NASA/JPL Edu, education specialist Lyle Tavernier explains what causes a total lunar eclipse, what it tells us about Earth and how to see one in action on January 31. Teachers and parents can also explore a collection of lessons and activities to get students curious and excited about the Moon. Read the Blog   For more about supermoons, see this related Teachable Moment from NASA/JPL Edu: What's a Supermoon and Just How Super Is It? Related Lessons and Activities Use these standards-aligned lessons and related activities to get your students excited about the eclipse, moon phases and Moon observations. *NEW* Evaluating a Lunar Eclipse (Grades 3-12) - Students use the Danjon Scale of Lunar Eclipse Brightness to illustrate the range of colors and brightness the Moon can take on during a total lunar eclipse. Get started Observing the Moon (Grades K-6) - Students identify the Moon's location in the sky and record their observations in a journal over the course of the moon-phase cycle. Get started Moon Phases (Grades 1-6) - Students learn about the phases of the Moon by acting them out. In 30 minutes, they will act out one complete, 30-day, Moon cycle. Get started Measuring the Supermoon (Grades 5-12) - Students take measurements of the Moon during its full phase over multiple Moon cycles to compare and contrast results. Read more Modeling the Earth-Moon System (Grades 6-8) – Students learn about scale models and distance by creating a classroom-size Earth-Moon system. Read more Make a Moon Phases Calendar and Calculator - Like a decoder wheel for the Moon, this calendar will show you where and when to see the Moon and every moon phase throughout the year! Get started

 

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