Science · Stage 6

Eclipses of the Sun and Moon

When the Sun, Earth and Moon line up in a row, one body throws its shadow on another — the Moon in the middle hides the Sun (a solar eclipse), and Earth in the middle darkens the Moon (a lunar eclipse).

✦ Science📘 Stage 6 · S6⏱ ~12 min🧒 Ages 10–12★ Free to start

I can explain how the line-up of Earth, Moon and Sun causes solar and lunar eclipses.

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Kavi Lines Up the Lights

Kavi sets a bright lamp ☀️, a big ball 🌍 and a little ball 🌙 in a straight line. "Watch what shadows do! When I slide the little ball between the lamp and me, its shadow lands right on my eye — that is how the Moon can hide the Sun. But when I slide the big ball in the middle, its shadow falls on the little one — that is how Earth can darken the Moon. Line them up with me and find out how eclipses happen!"

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What your child will learn

1Two eclipses — who stands in the middle?An eclipse is just a shadow. What matters is which body is in the middle of the line-up. Tap each card.

2The line-up that makes an eclipseA shadow is the dark space behind an object where its light is blocked. Tap each part to learn what it does.

3How a solar eclipse happensFollow the line of light from the Sun. Tap each step in turn.

4Your turn: line them up and explainThink like an astronomer — guess first, then tap to check! Tap Next test for more.

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A peek inside

One afternoon the sky suddenly goes dark for a few minutes and a black disc slides across the Sun 🌑. Which eclipse is this, and what is standing in the middle?

The day went dark, so the Sun's light is being blocked. For that to happen the Moon must be between the Sun and the Earth, casting its shadow on us. That line-up — Moon in the middle — is a solar eclipse.

Try this at home: In a solar eclipse, which body is in the middle, between the Sun and the Earth?

Ready to play and learn?

Start the free interactive lesson, or print the handout for screen-free play.

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Part of Science · Stage 6 · S6 on KAVI Academy — a secular, whole-child learning platform for ages 5–12.