As you know, we are just weeks away from a major historical event- the solar eclipse!
This is a pretty big event because it is a total eclipse. Whether you are in the path of totality or not, this is a fantastic time to get your students excited about this fantastic solar event.
If you are looking for ways to get your students excited about the solar eclipse, I have you covered! Check out these solar eclipse activities for kids!
Storytelling:
Begin with a story about the solar eclipse. You can use simple language and visuals to explain the what a solar eclipse is, why it’s so cool, and what to expect during the eclipse. Encourage your students to ask questions and express their curiosity!
Try out making DIY Pinhole Projectors:
Guide students in creating their own pinhole projectors to safely view the solar eclipse. This hands-on activity not only teaches about the science behind eclipses but also emphasizes the importance of safety when observing celestial events.
Make some Eclipse Artwork:
Help your students to express their understanding of the solar eclipse through artwork! Using materials like crayons, markers, and colored paper, prompt them to draw what they imagine the eclipse will look like or how it makes them feel. This activity is a great way to foster creativity while reinforcing concepts they learned about the eclipse.
Do an Eclipse Simulation:
Utilize some digital tools or simple props to simulate the solar eclipse in the classroom. You can use a flashlight to represent the Sun, a ball to represent the Moon, and smaller objects as Earth and its orbit. Demonstrate how eclipses occur and the different types of eclipses that can happen!
Eclipse Journaling:
Have students keep a journal leading up to and during the eclipse. Encourage them to record their observations, thoughts, and questions before, during, and after the event. This activity promotes scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and reflection on their learning experience. Plus, it is a great activity for writing practice!
If you’re looking for some done-for-you eclipse activities, you’ll love this resource! This simple small model resource will get your kiddos excited to learn about this amazing eclipse!
Need a fun, engaging week unit with activities to teach about the Sun, Moon, and Earth using the Solar Eclipse this year? I have a perfect lesson plan. It covers standards for K-2, models, home connections, collecting data, diagrams, shadows, gravity, links, and more!
Here’s what you’ll get with this resource!
- Cover
- Table of Contents
- Home Connection
- Note to Teachers
- Lesson Plan
- Standards K-2, Vocabulary, Links
- KWL
- Elephant and Bat Shadow Puppets
- Bunny and Horse Shadow Puppets
- Sun and Moon Venn Diagram
- Earth and Moon Venn Diagram
- Sun and Moon Demonstration of an Eclipse
- All About the Moon Writing (Primary)
- All About the Moon Writing (Intermediate Lines)
- All About the SUN Writing (Primary)
- All About the Sun Writing (Intermediate Lines)
- All About the Earth Writing (Primary)
- All About the Earth Writing (Intermediate Lines)
- Gravity Writing (What does gravity have to do with a solar eclipse?)
- Ask A Friend about a moon visit, Tally Answers
- Gravity ARTWORK
- EXAMPLE (model for student) of a Solar Eclipse Craft
- Solar Eclipse Craft (need to brass brads)
- Directions for the HAT Solar Eclipse Activity
- Moon Earth and Sun (black and white/color) Headband printables (pages 25-30)
- Headbands to glue on the earth, moon, and sun (pages 31-32)
- POSTERS (Shadow, Diagram, Eclipse, Properties, Light, Gravity, Eye Safety, Sun, Moon, Earth) (pages 33-42)
- Solar Eclipse JOURNAL (weeklong) (pages 43-59)
- Rubric (page 50)
- Opinion Writing, Extra Activities & Credits (pages 51-57)
WHAT else do you need for this unit besides the printables?
- Cardstock for printing on
- 3 Brass Brads to make the parts movable on crafts
- Glue
- Colored Pencils or Crayons
- Flashlight
I hope your students love these activities! Want more science fun? Check out my post here!