Model of Eclipse
Description: For my model of an eclipse, I created a simple demonstration using a flashlight, a ping pong ball, and a spherical object (like a basketball) to represent the Sun, Earth, and Moon respectively. I placed the flashlight at one end of a large table to represent the Sun. The basketball served as the Earth, and I held the ping pong ball at various angles to show how the Moon orbits the Earth and moves in relation to the Sun, creating both solar and lunar eclipses. When the ping pong ball passed between the flashlight and the basketball, it cast a shadow on the Earth, demonstrating a solar eclipse. Conversely, holding the Earth (basketball) in front of the flashlight with the ping pong ball behind it demonstrated a lunar eclipse.
Reflection: This model was successful in visually demonstrating how eclipses occur through the relationship of the Sun, Earth, and Moon. The use of light and shadow illustrated how the positions of these celestial bodies align during an eclipse. Observers were able to see the direct impact of these alignments, making the concept clearer and more engaging. Overall, the model effectively illustrated the essential dynamics of eclipses and helped deepen my understanding of these fascinating celestial events.
Teaching Experience: I taught this model to my friend, Sarah. She described her experience by saying, "I learned how the alignment of the Sun, Earth, and Moon creates eclipses. It was fascinating to see how the shadow moves depending on the position of the ping pong ball—now I understand why we can only see a solar eclipse from certain locations on Earth!"