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5 Engaging Activities to Get Your Students Excited About the Solar Eclipse

Teacher's Pay Teachers

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. 

solar eclipse activities

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! 

3 Engaging Life Cycle Activities Students Will Love

Teacher's Pay Teachers

One fascinating topic that never fails to capture the attention of elementary students is life cycles. Teaching life cycles provides a solid foundation for curiosity and discovery to flourish in our classrooms. If you are looking for life cycle activities for kids, you’re in the right place! 

How do you teach kids about life cycle?

To kickstart your life cycle lesson,  a great way to begin is with interesting and fun books  like “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” and hands-on activities such as crafting life cycle diagrams. 

You can also incorporate multimedia elements like videos and virtual field trips, providing a more dynamic learning experience for your kiddos. This multi-sensory approach ensures all students can appreciate the beauty of life cycles unfolding before their eyes! How cool is that?

Here are 3 life cycle activities for kids to do with your elementary students: 

Butterfly Life Cycle Craft

life cycle activites

Want a fun activity for spring where the kids learn about the Butterfly Life Cycle and integrate symmetry by making a book that will make a lasting memory for them to share at home? I have you covered with these printables for creating a butterfly craft and writing options!

Life Cycle of a Frog Craft

Are you looking for an engaging way to help students learning about the life cycle of a frog? These activities are great for centers, sequencing, and whole group learning! It includes a hat, writing activities, and sequencing printables.

Plant Life Cycle Craft Activity 

Do you need a quick and easy way to teach students the life cycle of a plant? This Plant Life Cycle Wheel will keep your students engaged and create a keepsake for them to share with their parents. 

What are your favorite ways to teach about life cycles? Let me know in the comments! 
If you want more spring activities for your elementary classroom, check out my post here!

3 Engaging Spring Activities for Kids

Craft Ideas, kindergarten survival, Teacher's Pay Teachers, Teaching Tips

Looking for some spring activities for kids? I have you covered! 

As we gear up for the spring season, I wanted to share some fun and engaging ideas to infuse your classroom with a little burst of springtime sunshine. 

spring activities for kids

What are some spring activities for elementary students?

Here are some ideas for some spring hands-on activities to get you started.

Life Cycles

Dive into the life cycles of plants and butterflies! Use simple props like egg cartons, art supplies, and pictures to create interactive displays. This hands-on approach will make learning about growth and change a memorable experience.

Try this: Butterfly Life Cycle Activity 

Want a fun activity for spring where the kids learn about the Butterfly Life Cycle and integrate symmetry by making a book that will make a lasting memory for them to share at home? I have you covered with these printables for creating a butterfly craft and writing options!

“This was so much fun! My students loved writing, coloring and creating their butterfly-they especially loved recreating the stages 🙂 Thanks so much!” -Jenny 

Rainy Day Science

Embrace the spring showers by turning them into a learning opportunity! Set up a rain gauge and encourage your little scientists to measure and record rainfall. Discuss the water cycle and the importance of rain for our environment.

Try this: Rainbow Activities

Are you looking for quick and simple rainbow crafts to display in your classroom? Look no more! These editable printables cover writing, math, and art! Just use paint, paint daubers, or color to make a rainbow. Add a little cotton to the clouds and you have a cheerful display!

“This was a great resource when discussing rainbows.” – Jared

Weather Watchers

Create a weather station in your classroom and have students take turns being weather reporters. They can observe and record the daily weather, noticing any changes that come with the arrival of spring.

Try this: Weather Patterns Unit

This unit is loa with enough resources to stretch it out for two weeks, if needed! If you need to teach weather patterns, the water cycle, rainbows, and more, I’ve got you covered with engaging activities and printables to make your life easy!

“This unit was a great way to introduce the water cycle to my kindergartners!” – Rachael

What are your favorite spring activities to do in your classroom? Let me know in the comments! 
For more spring fun, check out my post here!

3 Exciting Earth Day Activities to Celebrate with Your Elementary Students

education, kindergarten survival

As Earth Day approaches, it’s the perfect time to engage our elementary students in activities that promote environmental awareness and responsibility. If you are looking for engaging Earth Day activities for kids, you’re in the right place! 

earth day activities

What are 3 things we can do to support Earth Day? Here are some Earth Day activity ideas for your elementary students! 

Trash to Treasure Collage

Engage your elementary students in a creative exploration of recycling with the Trash to Treasure Collage activity. Begin by discussing the significance of recycling and reducing waste. Provide students with magazines, newspapers, glue, scissors, and construction paper. Encourage them to cut out images or words related to Earth Day and recycling, and then create unique collages on construction paper using these recycled materials. 

The objective is to turn what might be considered “trash” into a meaningful work of art. After completion, have students share their collages with the class, articulating the reasons behind their choices and reinforcing the importance of recycling.

Earth Day Pledges

Foster a sense of personal responsibility and commitment to the environment by conducting the Earth Day Pledges activity. Initiate a class discussion about Earth Day and the actions individuals can take to positively impact the planet. Encourage students to brainstorm and write down their personal pledges on large sheets of construction paper. They can use markers, crayons, and stickers to decorate their pledges creatively. 

Display the pledges prominently in the classroom, creating a visual reminder of each student’s commitment to making eco-friendly choices and contributing to a healthier Earth.

Planting a Classroom Garden

Immerse your elementary students in the wonders of nature and plant life by organizing a Planting a Classroom Garden activity. Begin with a discussion on the essential role of plants in maintaining a healthy environment. Explain the life cycle of plants, from seed germination to full growth. Provide each student with small pots or cups, soil, and a variety of seeds. Guide them in planting their seeds and caring for their mini-gardens. 

Create a designated area in the classroom or schoolyard for the class garden, allowing students to observe and nurture their plants as they grow. This hands-on experience not only teaches valuable lessons about nature but also instills a sense of responsibility for the well-being of our planet.

Looking for pre-made Earth Day activities for elementary that will get your students excited about saving the planet? Look no further! Here are some fun Earth Day activities that your students will love.

Earth Day Virtual Field Trip to a Recycling Center

Be every student’s favorite teacher by taking them to the recycling center! Virtual Field trips are a great way to engage students in learning.  Use these interactive, editable Google Slides to easily have students copy and paste movable parts, learn about Earth Day, recycling, what to bring on a trip and so much more!

Earth Day Activities and Writing Crafts

Looking for some engaging Earth Day activities for your kiddos that will help them understand the importance of caring for Earth? I have you covered with this unit! It has a week lesson plan, ideas, extra crafts, opinion writing, and more!

Earth Day Activities and Opinion Writing

Are you looking for an easy way to teach about this important day? I have you covered with an Editable digital Google Classroom™ Option and a PDF for you to easily make low-ink copies for students in the future. Opinion Writing is included in this download.

Students who are participating in the digital option will have easy-to-identify text boxes to edit with directions. They can insert images and text.

What are your favorite ways to celebrate this holiday with your students? Let me know in the comments! 
Looking for more Earth Day fun? Check out my post here!