Top Resources for the 2024 Solar Eclipse!
Post by Michelle Bogden
February 2024
Many classrooms around the world are gearing up to view a spectacular event—the 2024 solar eclipse! To make this cosmic phenomenon an unforgettable and enriching experience for both educators and students, we are excited to share the best resources for celebrating the solar eclipse! We also share a free Solar Eclipse Explorer Kit filled with teacher slides, an editable note to families, and tons of resources to plan a solar eclipse party or celebrate in your classroom or home!
Scroll below for the following resources to prepare for the upcoming solar eclipse!
All About the Solar Eclipse + Slides
Best Books & Videos for the Solar Eclipse
Top Activities for the Solar Eclipse
How to Plan a Solar Eclipse Party + Note to Families
Solar Eclipse Community Events
About the 2024 Solar Eclipse
On April 8, a total solar eclipse will occur when the moon passes directly between the Earth and the sun, momentarily casting a shadow and blocking the sun's light, creating a breathtaking celestial phenomenon. The path of the eclipse continues from Mexico, entering the United States in Texas, and traveling through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan will also experience the total solar eclipse.
Here is more information:
Slideshow: Present or share this student-friendly slideshow found here or view it above!
Article: Learn more about where and when the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse will occur here.
Best Media for Teaching about the Solar Eclipse
Books for the Solar Eclipse
Check out these awesome books for in-depth exploration of solar eclipses, providing detailed information and insights. They delve into the scientific aspects, historical significance, and cultural impact of solar eclipses, offering a comprehensive understanding of this celestial event. Pictured, left to right: When the Sun Goes Dark and Total Solar Eclipse: A Stellar Friendship Story
Solar Eclipse Videos
Videos show the solar eclipse in action, helping students see how the Earth, moon, and sun interact. Watching the stages of the eclipse in these visuals makes it easier to understand the complex science behind it, making it more enjoyable and accessible for students and enthusiasts alike! Our favorites:
NASA Space Place: What is a Solar Eclipse?
Solar Eclipse 101 | National Geographic
Top Activities for the Solar Eclipse
We know there are a ton of activities to choose from for the upcoming solar eclipse. We have curated our favorites that you can trust are designed to ensure a meaningful and exciting experience as you prepare for the solar eclipse. A few ideas from Vivify:
UV Beads: Use UV beads to experiment how they change during the solar eclipse. You can also find the STEM challenge here for a UV shelter.
Paper Circuit: Grab our free solar eclipse paper circuit to help students visualize what is happening during this event. This only requires paper, LED light, coin cell battery, and conductive tape or foil. Find it here in our free STEM Explorer lesson library.
Pin Hole Projector: Design a solar viewer to watch the solar eclipse without damaging your eyes! Find it here.
Solar Eclipse Activities From NASA
How can the little moon hide the giant sun?: This activity pdf is a hands-on exploration of how distance can affect the way we perceive the size of an object. It makes a good introduction to solar eclipses as well as the Sun and Moon’s sizes and distances from Earth.
Interactive 3D Model: Experience the total solar eclipse using the latest 3D interactive technology from NASA.
Moon Observation Journal: Observe the Moon each day for a month, starting with the solar eclipse on April 8, 2024!
Model a Solar Eclipse NASA: Students use simple materials to model the basics of a partial, annular, and total solar eclipse.
How to Plan a Solar Eclipse Party
This cosmic event provides a fantastic opportunity for families to come together and explore the wonders of the universe. Check out a brief guide to help you make the most of this unique experience, including an editable note to families and a resource guide to send home! You can find this freebie in our STEM Space Explorer library.
For a solar eclipse party, you can create a celestial atmosphere with themed decorations that capture the awe-inspiring nature of this cosmic event. Take a sneak peek into a solar eclipse party in action here!
Not in the path of totality? Watch a live stream with your students! Click here for more.
Solar Eclipse Safety
Solar eclipse safety involves protecting your eyes from the harmful effects of direct sunlight. It is crucial to use certified solar viewing glasses like these or solar filters to view the eclipse safely. Never look directly at the sun without proper eye protection, as this can lead to serious eye damage or even permanent blindness. Additionally, indirect viewing methods, such as pinhole projectors or solar viewing cards, can also be used to observe the eclipse without risking eye injury.
When viewing a solar eclipse, it is crucial to use certified solar viewing glasses like those found here.
Solar Eclipse Community Events
Solar eclipses spark interest and excitement among the public, leading to various citizen science and community events. These projects involve collecting participant data and observations to contribute to scientific research. Solar eclipses serve as opportunities for communities to come together, learn, and celebrate the wonders of the universe through a combination of scientific exploration, cultural expression, and shared experiences. Here are ways to engage with local events:
Tune into NASA TV! - broadcasting from Cleveland, Ohio
Eclipse Soundscapes: Share your multi-sensory observations and recorded sound data during the upcoming eclipses to help NASA better understand how these events impact ecosystems across the U.S. Learn more about the different options to get involved. You can find the Participation Roles Overview on YouTube here.
GLOBE Eclipse: Only available when a solar eclipse is happening somewhere in the world, the GLOBE Eclipse tool will prompt users to record air temperature measurements in addition to observations of sky conditions and vegetation at the data collection site. You’ll need to download the GLOBE App to get started. For a video on how to observe using GLOBE Eclipse, click here.
From interactive lesson plans and engaging activities to live-streamed events and expert guides, these resources not only make the eclipse accessible but also foster a sense of wonder and curiosity in the classroom. As you embark on this astronomical journey with your students, may these top resources illuminate minds and inspire a lifelong appreciation for the marvels of our universe. Happy eclipse watching!
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