The 2024 solar eclipse is a great event that promises wonder and awe for people of all ages. For kids, it’s an incredible opportunity not only to witness the magic of the universe, but also to engage in hands-on activities that deepen their understanding of this rare phenomenon. Here are three solar eclipse activities that will spark curiosity and foster a lifelong love for astronomy.
THREE ACTIVITIES
- Create a Pinhole Projector: One of the safest ways to observe a solar eclipse is by creating a pinhole projector. This simple yet effective device allows kids to safely view the eclipse without directly looking at the sun. All you need is a piece of cardboard, aluminum foil, tape, and a pin or needle.
Instructions:
- First, take the cardboard and cut out a small square or rectangle, about the size of a smartphone screen.
- Next, cover one side of the cardboard with aluminum foil and secure it tightly with tape.
- Then, using a pin or needle, poke a small hole in the center of the foil.
- With the sun at your back, hold the cardboard with the pinhole facing the sun, and position another piece of white paper or cardboard a few feet away from it.
- Finally, watch as the image of the sun is projected onto the second piece of cardboard, showing the progression of the eclipse as the moon passes in front of the sun.
2. Eclipse Model: Building a model of the Earth, moon, and sun provides a hands-on way for kids to visualize the mechanics of a solar eclipse. This activity not only reinforces concepts of motion, but also fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students can see how the moon moves in front of the sun to block light to Earth. My students LOVED this activity during the last solar eclipse unit!
Materials:
- Cardstock to print a sun, the Earth, and the moon
- 2 Brass Brads to Make Moveable Parts
- Glue
- Two Long Strips
3. Crafts and Writing Engage kids in reflective writing about their solar eclipse experience with this fun activity! Provide them with a worksheet titled “Solar Eclipse – Explain a solar eclipse.” along with colored pencils or crayons. Encourage them to describe what they observed during the eclipse, including its phases and any thoughts or feelings they had while witnessing this celestial event.
These 2024 “SUN” glasses are fun for a solar celebration. Kids can wear them while writing, work on fine motor skills, or use them just for fun!
BONUS
Use this FREE Download to have students create the moon on a stick to show how the moon blocks the sunlight from the earth. I think this is a great way to show students how an eclipse works.