Preparing for the 2023 and 2024 Solar Eclipses
Date Posted: 3/03/2023
The 2023 and 2024 solar eclipses are exciting astronomical events that can provide a great opportunity for teachers and students to learn about the science of astronomy and the beauty of the natural world.
Two major solar eclipses are coming to North America on Oct. 14, 2023, and April 8, 2024. The first is an annular “ring of fire” eclipse stretching from Texas to Oregon in a path 125 miles wide. The second is a total solar eclipse that covers an area 115 miles wide from Mexico to the Canadian Maritimes, traversing the U.S. from Texas to Maine in the process. In both instances, all of North America will experience at least a partial solar eclipse.
Here are some ways teachers and students can prepare for these eclipses:
Learn about eclipses: Have your students research solar eclipses and how they occur. You may also choose to study the different types of eclipses and the terminology associated with eclipses.
Safety first: It is important to remind students never to look directly at the sun, especially during a solar eclipse. Students can safely view the eclipse using solar eclipse glasses or other appropriate viewing methods.
Observe the sky: Leading up to the eclipse, students can observe the sky and note any changes that occur. They can track the position of the sun and the moon and how they change over time.
Create eclipse-related activities: These lesson plans can include anything from researching the history of eclipses to building models that demonstrate how eclipses occur.
Attend an event: Many cities and towns will hold public events for the eclipses. Encourage your students to attend these events to view the eclipse with others, learn from experts, and engage in educational activities.
Share your experience: Document your classroom’s experiences of the eclipse. You can take photos, videos, and notes to create a record of the event to share with other classes.
By preparing for the 2023 and 2024 solar eclipses, teachers and students can not only enjoy a beautiful and rare astronomical event but also learn about science and our place in the universe.
Interested in learning more about the upcoming North American solar eclipses? The following links offer a variety of resources for your classroom:
Two major solar eclipses are coming to North America on Oct. 14, 2023, and April 8, 2024. The first is an annular “ring of fire” eclipse stretching from Texas to Oregon in a path 125 miles wide. The second is a total solar eclipse that covers an area 115 miles wide from Mexico to the Canadian Maritimes, traversing the U.S. from Texas to Maine in the process. In both instances, all of North America will experience at least a partial solar eclipse.
Here are some ways teachers and students can prepare for these eclipses:
Learn about eclipses: Have your students research solar eclipses and how they occur. You may also choose to study the different types of eclipses and the terminology associated with eclipses.
Safety first: It is important to remind students never to look directly at the sun, especially during a solar eclipse. Students can safely view the eclipse using solar eclipse glasses or other appropriate viewing methods.
Observe the sky: Leading up to the eclipse, students can observe the sky and note any changes that occur. They can track the position of the sun and the moon and how they change over time.
Create eclipse-related activities: These lesson plans can include anything from researching the history of eclipses to building models that demonstrate how eclipses occur.
Attend an event: Many cities and towns will hold public events for the eclipses. Encourage your students to attend these events to view the eclipse with others, learn from experts, and engage in educational activities.
Share your experience: Document your classroom’s experiences of the eclipse. You can take photos, videos, and notes to create a record of the event to share with other classes.
By preparing for the 2023 and 2024 solar eclipses, teachers and students can not only enjoy a beautiful and rare astronomical event but also learn about science and our place in the universe.
Interested in learning more about the upcoming North American solar eclipses? The following links offer a variety of resources for your classroom:
- Annular Solar Eclipse: Oct. 14, 2023
- Total Solar Eclipse: April 8, 2024
- How & Why Eclipses Happen
- How to View a Solar Eclipse Safely
- The Solar Eclipse Experience
- A Solar Eclipse Glossary