Solar Eclipse Activities for the Classroom

Is a solar eclipse coming and you need some fun ideas to introduce it to your students?

Here are some solar eclipse activities for the classroom to teach and celebrate this amazing natural phenomenon!

READ ABOUT THE SOLAR ECLIPSE

There are so many great books on solar eclipses, the sun, and the moon to help students build background knowledge! Click on the image below to grab them for your classroom now!

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When the Sun Goes Dark by Andrew Fraknoi & Dennis Schatz
The Moon Book (New & Updated Edition) Paperback by Gail Gibbons
Moon! Earth’s Best Friend (Our Universe, 3) by Stacy McAnulty & Illustrated by Stevie Lewis
Totality!: An Eclipse Guide in Rhyme and Science Hardcover by Jeffrey Bennett
Eclipse: How the 1919 Solar Eclipse Proved Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity (Moments in Science) by Darcy Pattison & Illustrated by Peter Willis
A Few Beautiful Minutes: Experiencing a Solar Eclipse Hardcover by Kate Allen Fox & Illustrated by Khoa Le
Total Solar Eclipse: A Stellar Friendship Story Paperback by Jayme Sandberg & Illustrated by Kathleen Gadeken

2. CREATE A FUN CRAFT

Cut a big circle from a sheet of yellow construction paper to resemble the sun. Cut a smaller circle from a sheet of gray construction paper for the moon then fasten it with a metal brad to the sun cut out on top. Slowly slide the moon to cover the sun to show how the moon covers the sun during an eclipse.

To get the template below, click on the image.

3. DOCUMENT THE MOMENT

If the solar eclipse is during the school day, have students record this very special moment to keep for memories! If it happens at home, you can send this printable to students to complete with their family.

4. PROTECT YOUR EYES

Don’t forget to protect your eyes and your students’ eyes if you are observing the solar eclipse at school. Here is a pair that is perfect for elementary students!