Science

BELIEFS AND
PRACTICES
OF THE

COMMUNITY
IN

RELATION TO
ECLIPSE
 To the Learner

This module will help you develop a scientific understanding on the

occurrence of eclipses and will enlighten you of the truth behind it through
correcting misconceptions about how and why it occurs.

OVERVIEW

Students first explore the eclipse phenomena from a cultural perspective.

They will determine the beliefs in the community that explain the occurrence and
effects of eclipses on people’s lives. In groups, student’s research beliefs and
practices related to the eclipse. They will compare the different beliefs with those of
the elders in the community. They will prepare a news cast/ news report based and
share what they learned with the class by acting them out. A class chart is created
to compare the beliefs from different culture on the data they gathered.

PRE-ASSESSMENT
Write True for the correct statement and False for the wrong statement.

_________1. Superstitious people associate the occurrence of eclipses to mysticism

and omens.

__________2. Eclipse occurs when the earth, the moon, the sun and the stars are
completely aligned.

__________3. Some people believe that a sudden darkening during the day brings
bad luck.

__________4. All beliefs attributed to eclipses have scientific bases.

__________5. Understanding the scientific bases behind the occurrence of eclipse is
important in correcting misconceptions.

Key Answer 1-True 2-False 3- False 4- False 5- True

DO THIS

Activity 1

ECLIPSES AND YOUR COMMUNITY

Objective: Determine the beliefs in the community that explain the

occurrence and effects of eclipses on people’s lives.

Procedure: 1. Prepare a list of questions to ask the elders at home. These

questions will be about their beliefs on the origin of eclipses and
their effects on the people.

2. Research on the superstitious beliefs and folklore about

eclipses in other places in the Philippines as well as the world.

3. Compare the different beliefs with those of the elders in your

community.

4. Make a chart of the beliefs and practices, this chart will allow
students to tap into their prior knowledge about solar eclipses
and understand what they know on this topic.

5. Prepare a news cast/ news report based on the data you

gathered.

5. Aside from news cast you may share what you learned by
acting it out.
 Data Gathering and Recording

Belief based on observation Scientific Explanations

Synthesis

1. What common among the beliefs as to the cause and effect of eclipses
to human lives in your community?
2. Do you think these beliefs are acceptable or not? Why or why not?
3. Which beliefs and practices have scientific bases? Why do you say so?
4. Which beliefs and practices have no scientific bases? Support your
answer.

Conclusion

CONCEPT MICRO

 Eclipses are rare astronomical phenomena. Viewing an eclipse generates

much interest in the community and despite the awareness of the true nature
of this natural phenomenon, many people throw away logical explanations
and associate these phenomena to a lot of superstitious beliefs, lore, myths,
and legends.

 Eclipse is the casting of a shadow by one heavenly body on another. It

occurs when the moon, the earth, and the sun are completely aligned.
 LET’S TRY!
Write True for the correct statement and False for the wrong statement.

_________1. Superstitious people associate the occurrence of eclipses to mysticism

and omens.

__________2. Eclipse occurs when the earth, the moon, the sun and the stars are
completely aligned.

__________3. Solar eclipse are caused by the supernatural.

__________4. A lunar eclipse has its share of mysticism from people and believe that
a giant dragon or snake swallows the moon.

__________5. A Hindu practice of not eating during solar eclipse believe that air
becomes polluted so they do not eat within 12 hours.

Key Answer 1-True 2-False 3- False 4- False 5- True

REFERENCES

Santos, Gil Nonato, et.al. Science Links 7 Worktext for Scientific and Technological
Literacy, Manila, Rex Book Store, Inc. Print

Caoibes, Efrene P. Practical Science 7, Manila, Eferza Academic Publications

www.rexinteractive.com

http://www.google.com.ph.science graphics