A total lunar eclipse happens when the Earth moves directly between the Sun and the Moon, blocking sunlight from reaching the Moon’s surface. During the eclipse, the Moon can appear dark red or copper-colored as sunlight bends through Earth’s atmosphere.
Even though the Moon travels around Earth about every 28 days, total lunar eclipses are rare. That’s because the Moon’s orbit is tilted slightly, so most months, the Moon passes a little above or below Earth’s shadow instead of through it. Only every six months or so are the Sun, Earth, and Moon lined up closely enough for a possible lunar eclipse.
Last September, millions of people around the world watched the rare event during organized watch parties and backyard gatherings. Astronomers encouraged people to bring blankets, snacks, and telescopes to enjoy the nighttime spectacle together. While cloudy skies blocked views in some places, observers across parts of Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Australia were able to see the eclipse from beginning to end under clear skies.
Journey into the heart of the rainforest and explore the four amazing layers that make this ecosystem so unique. From the sunlit emergent layer high above the trees to the dark and humid forest floor below, students will discover how different plants and animals survive and thrive in each part of the rainforest.
This Kahoot examines the rainforest’s distinct layers — the emergent layer, canopy, understory, and forest floor — and the important roles they play in supporting biodiversity. Students will learn how animals adapt to life at different heights, how plants compete for sunlight and water, and how all the layers work together to create one of the richest ecosystems on Earth.
Watch the related BBC videos (below), then invite your Grade 3–8 students to test their knowledge and uncover the wonders hidden within each layer of the rainforest.
Bright, delicate, and full of surprises, butterflies are more than just beautiful insects — they’re masters of transformation. Starting life as tiny eggs, they go through an incredible metamorphosis before emerging with colorful wings that help them migrate, absorb sunlight, and regulate their body temperature.
From caterpillars to spiracles, this is a great quiz to help students ages 8–14 become butterfly know-it-alls.
In Phytoplankton, the Life-Giving Force Beneath the Waves, geologist Iain Stewart explains how oceans are vital to life on Earth, especially because of tiny phytoplankton which produce 50% of the oxygen we breathe! These microscopic organisms feed sea creatures and help turn sunlight and carbon dioxide into energy. Oceans also have a vast network of currents that connect all the seas, proven when 29,000 rubber ducks drifted across the world, showing how these currents link every ocean. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Earth: The Power of the Planet, a documentary series in which Dr. Iain Stewart discovers how Earth's forces can shape nature, species, and even the climate.
In Volcanic Activity Shapes Life on the Seafloor narrator David Attenborough showcases volcanic activity beneath the ocean. The Atlantic Ocean is split by an immense volcanic mountain chain stretching 45,000 miles. In some places, fissures release superheated, mineral-rich water, forming towering chimneys called hydrothermal vents. Despite extreme temperatures and toxic chemicals, bacteria thrive here, forming the base of an ecosystem independent of sunlight. Shrimp and other crustaceans graze on these bacteria, creating a unique deep-sea community. Similar vents exist in the Pacific Ocean, where different species have adapted to similar conditions. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Planet Earth, a breathtaking documentary series that highlights the natural wonders of our planet.
In Navigating the Dark Depths of the Ocean, narrator David Attenborough highlights the deep ocean, where no sunlight reaches, and animals have adapted to survive in total darkness with minimal food. The Dumbo octopus glides effortlessly through the water, conserving energy. The vampire squid uses bioluminescent bacteria to create light patterns that confuse predators. In this extreme environment, creatures must rely on special adaptations to detect food, avoid danger, and navigate the dark depths. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Planet Earth, a breathtaking documentary series that highlights the natural wonders of our planet.
In The Giant Conifers of the Pacific Coast of North America, narrator Sir David Attenborough explains how time and sunlight have resulted in some of the largest and oldest living things on Earth. Giant conifers can absorb moisture from fog to survive dry times and thrive here. This video is excerpted from BBC's Planet Earth, a breathtaking documentary series that highlights the natural wonders of our planet.
In The Tropics Cause Abundant Life and Broken Hearts, narrator Sir David Attenborough explains how constant direct sunlight allows plant and animal life to flourish. A male bird of paradise takes elaborate steps to attract a mate but is ultimately rejected. This video is excerpted from BBC's Planet Earth, a breathtaking documentary series that highlights the natural wonders of our planet.
In Life Around the Mid-Ocean Ridges, narrator Sir David Attenborough showcases the animals that live around vents deep in the ocean, far from sunlight. Learn about tube-worms, crabs, and other animals that are densely packed and live on bacteria. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Blue Planet, a definitive documentary series diving into the mysterious depths of the sea to discover the natural history of the world’s oceans and the rarely seen marine life that reside there.
In The Mystery of Severe Allergic Reactions, explore the story of a woman with severe allergic reactions triggered by common substances such as certain foods and sunlight. Her condition, which includes life-threatening anaphylaxis, has baffled doctors, leading to groundbreaking research into mast cells and their role in inflammation and allergic responses. Discover how these cells function and the challenges of diagnosing and managing complex immune conditions. This video is excerpted from BBC’s The World’s Most Extraordinary People, a documentary series revealing how rare medical conditions inspire groundbreaking scientific discoveries.
In A Battle for Sunlight in the Jungle, narrator Sir David Attenborough presents the fierce competition for sunlight amongst jungle plants and how the 300-year-old Hura tree has thrived, supporting a diverse range of wildlife. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Planet Earth II, a breathtaking documentary series that highlights the natural wonders of our planet.
In Soy Sauce and Skin Color, host Harith Iskander explains the science behind tyrosine, a compound found in soy sauce and certain tanning products. Tyrosine can convert into melanin, the pigment that colors and protects skin, but this reaction requires UV exposure. Without sunlight, the tyrosine in soy sauce won’t change skin color. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Got Science?, a science magazine series that explores and explains science in everyday life.
A total lunar eclipse happens when the Earth moves directly between the Sun and the Moon, blocking sunlight from reaching the Moon’s surface. During the eclipse, the Moon can appear dark red or copper-colored as sunlight bends through Earth’s atmosphere.
Even though the Moon travels around Earth about every 28 days, total lunar eclipses are rare. That’s because the Moon’s orbit is tilted slightly, so most months, the Moon passes a little above or below Earth’s shadow instead of through it. Only every six months or so are the Sun, Earth, and Moon lined up closely enough for a possible lunar eclipse.
Last September, millions of people around the world watched the rare event during organized watch parties and backyard gatherings. Astronomers encouraged people to bring blankets, snacks, and telescopes to enjoy the nighttime spectacle together. While cloudy skies blocked views in some places, observers across parts of Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Australia were able to see the eclipse from beginning to end under clear skies.
Journey into the heart of the rainforest and explore the four amazing layers that make this ecosystem so unique. From the sunlit emergent layer high above the trees to the dark and humid forest floor below, students will discover how different plants and animals survive and thrive in each part of the rainforest.
This Kahoot examines the rainforest’s distinct layers — the emergent layer, canopy, understory, and forest floor — and the important roles they play in supporting biodiversity. Students will learn how animals adapt to life at different heights, how plants compete for sunlight and water, and how all the layers work together to create one of the richest ecosystems on Earth.
Watch the related BBC videos (below), then invite your Grade 3–8 students to test their knowledge and uncover the wonders hidden within each layer of the rainforest.
Bright, delicate, and full of surprises, butterflies are more than just beautiful insects — they’re masters of transformation. Starting life as tiny eggs, they go through an incredible metamorphosis before emerging with colorful wings that help them migrate, absorb sunlight, and regulate their body temperature.
From caterpillars to spiracles, this is a great quiz to help students ages 8–14 become butterfly know-it-alls.
In Phytoplankton, the Life-Giving Force Beneath the Waves, geologist Iain Stewart explains how oceans are vital to life on Earth, especially because of tiny phytoplankton which produce 50% of the oxygen we breathe! These microscopic organisms feed sea creatures and help turn sunlight and carbon dioxide into energy. Oceans also have a vast network of currents that connect all the seas, proven when 29,000 rubber ducks drifted across the world, showing how these currents link every ocean. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Earth: The Power of the Planet, a documentary series in which Dr. Iain Stewart discovers how Earth's forces can shape nature, species, and even the climate.
In Volcanic Activity Shapes Life on the Seafloor narrator David Attenborough showcases volcanic activity beneath the ocean. The Atlantic Ocean is split by an immense volcanic mountain chain stretching 45,000 miles. In some places, fissures release superheated, mineral-rich water, forming towering chimneys called hydrothermal vents. Despite extreme temperatures and toxic chemicals, bacteria thrive here, forming the base of an ecosystem independent of sunlight. Shrimp and other crustaceans graze on these bacteria, creating a unique deep-sea community. Similar vents exist in the Pacific Ocean, where different species have adapted to similar conditions. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Planet Earth, a breathtaking documentary series that highlights the natural wonders of our planet.
In Navigating the Dark Depths of the Ocean, narrator David Attenborough highlights the deep ocean, where no sunlight reaches, and animals have adapted to survive in total darkness with minimal food. The Dumbo octopus glides effortlessly through the water, conserving energy. The vampire squid uses bioluminescent bacteria to create light patterns that confuse predators. In this extreme environment, creatures must rely on special adaptations to detect food, avoid danger, and navigate the dark depths. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Planet Earth, a breathtaking documentary series that highlights the natural wonders of our planet.
In The Giant Conifers of the Pacific Coast of North America, narrator Sir David Attenborough explains how time and sunlight have resulted in some of the largest and oldest living things on Earth. Giant conifers can absorb moisture from fog to survive dry times and thrive here. This video is excerpted from BBC's Planet Earth, a breathtaking documentary series that highlights the natural wonders of our planet.
In The Tropics Cause Abundant Life and Broken Hearts, narrator Sir David Attenborough explains how constant direct sunlight allows plant and animal life to flourish. A male bird of paradise takes elaborate steps to attract a mate but is ultimately rejected. This video is excerpted from BBC's Planet Earth, a breathtaking documentary series that highlights the natural wonders of our planet.
In Life Around the Mid-Ocean Ridges, narrator Sir David Attenborough showcases the animals that live around vents deep in the ocean, far from sunlight. Learn about tube-worms, crabs, and other animals that are densely packed and live on bacteria. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Blue Planet, a definitive documentary series diving into the mysterious depths of the sea to discover the natural history of the world’s oceans and the rarely seen marine life that reside there.
In The Mystery of Severe Allergic Reactions, explore the story of a woman with severe allergic reactions triggered by common substances such as certain foods and sunlight. Her condition, which includes life-threatening anaphylaxis, has baffled doctors, leading to groundbreaking research into mast cells and their role in inflammation and allergic responses. Discover how these cells function and the challenges of diagnosing and managing complex immune conditions. This video is excerpted from BBC’s The World’s Most Extraordinary People, a documentary series revealing how rare medical conditions inspire groundbreaking scientific discoveries.
In A Battle for Sunlight in the Jungle, narrator Sir David Attenborough presents the fierce competition for sunlight amongst jungle plants and how the 300-year-old Hura tree has thrived, supporting a diverse range of wildlife. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Planet Earth II, a breathtaking documentary series that highlights the natural wonders of our planet.
In Soy Sauce and Skin Color, host Harith Iskander explains the science behind tyrosine, a compound found in soy sauce and certain tanning products. Tyrosine can convert into melanin, the pigment that colors and protects skin, but this reaction requires UV exposure. Without sunlight, the tyrosine in soy sauce won’t change skin color. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Got Science?, a science magazine series that explores and explains science in everyday life.