Note: To open this resource, you will need to be a registered user of PhET. Registration is free. This page provides a very comprehensive 2-3 day multimedia lesson for the middle grades on orbiting objects and gravitational attraction. Before students can process eclipse events, they need a basic understanding of why planets orbit a sun and why moons orbit a planet. Students learn about the role of gravity in the solar system through a simple classroom demonstration and by using the PhET simulation "Gravity and Orbits". The resource includes a full script for teachers, warm-up questions, example responses, potential misconceptions, and a printable Student Worksheet to accompany the simulation. Answer key, background information, and historical contributions of Galileo and Newton are included. Highly recommended.

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This 7-minute professional development video models an effective way to integrate science, art, and physical modeling to facilitate an inquiry-based lesson on lunar and solar eclipses. The instructional strategies would be appropriate for Grades 6-9. The video is available for free viewing on PBS Learning Media.

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