Solar Eclipse Activities: As we prepare for the upcoming celestial event on April 8th, 2024, let’s embrace the wonder and excitement of a solar eclipse with our little learners! Engaging children in understanding natural phenomena like eclipses not only sparks curiosity but also fosters a lifelong love for science.
Solar Eclipse Activities from 2017
We had a solar eclipse in 2017 that my entire school district got excited about and was anticipating seeing. Sadly, we were not allowed to go outside and watch it with glasses, but we were able to watch it online. This is what it looked like from inside my classroom. Additionally, we have windows therefore we could see the shadow that fell for those moments.
We are hopeful that we can watch on April 8, 2024, solar eclipse in person. I have already purchased these glasses to watch them. Last time, many students got checked out of school if they desired, including my children, to watch the eclipse in person. I plan to make Solar Eclipse Activities packs and include the glasses for any student who will be watching this from their home.
With the right activities and resources, we can turn this astronomical event into a memorable learning experience. In this blog post, I’ll be sharing a comprehensive pack of solar eclipse activities designed specifically for kindergarten classrooms.
Understanding the Eclipse:
Before diving into activities, it’s essential to lay the foundation of understanding. Begin by discussing with your students what an eclipse is. Simplify the concept by explaining that a solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the earth, casting a shadow on the earth’s surface. Encourage questions and allow children to express their thoughts and ideas about this phenomenon.
Did You See the Eclipse? Chart:
Engage students in a post-eclipse reflection activity with a “Did You See the Eclipse?” chart. Provide options for students to indicate whether they witnessed the eclipse and how it appeared from their location. This activity encourages sharing experiences and fosters a sense of community within the classroom.
We initially prepared a chart to dive into who saw the eclipse. However once we learned that our students could not watch it live and many would be going home to witness it, we added a charting option we could use the next day. This allowed the entire class to chart where or how they saw the eclipse.
Writing Prompt:
Encourage language development and creative expression through a writing prompt related to the solar eclipse. Prompt students to write or draw about what they think a solar eclipse looks like or how it makes them feel. This activity not only reinforces vocabulary but also allows children to reflect on their perceptions of natural phenomena. We did not complete this in 2017 since the solar eclipse occurred in August of 2017 and we had just begun school. We plan on including writing activities with this solar eclipse this time since it is in April.
Labeling Charts and Printables:
Introduce labeling charts and printables to reinforce vocabulary associated with eclipses. Provide images of the sun, moon, earth, and eclipse, and ask students to label each component. This hands-on activity promotes observational skills and strengthens understanding of key terms related to eclipses.
In addition to student printables, you can see the teacher options that you can display to guide learning in the classroom.
Solar Eclipse Reader:
Another educational element you can use for Solar Eclipse Activities in the classroom is an interactive reader. This printable is a great way to show students what is going to happen in the sky in terms they can understand.
Real Image Glossary Terms for Solar Eclipse Activities :
Enhance visual learning with a real image glossary featuring terms related to the sun, moon, earth, eclipse, and full eclipse. Provide printable glossary pages with authentic images depicting each term. This resource serves as a reference tool for students to deepen their understanding of eclipse-related vocabulary.
Incorporating these solar eclipse activities into your kindergarten curriculum can transform learning into a captivating adventure. By providing diverse learning opportunities and resources, we can inspire young minds to explore the wonders of the universe with curiosity and enthusiasm. Let’s seize this celestial event as an opportunity to ignite a lifelong passion for science in our students.
Wishing you and your students an enlightening and unforgettable solar eclipse experience on April 8th!
