The total solar eclipse of 2024 is just around the corner.
Rare events are the perfect opportunity to get kids excited about space and science.
But how do you explain solar eclipses to young children?
Solar eclipse 2024: Tips for getting the perfect shot of the rare cosmic phenomenon
Fun art projects and simple models can help.
Read on for inspiration on how to teach your kids about solar eclipses and get them excited about them.
Explain the solar eclipse to your child and prepare for it with these tips. (AP Photo/Eric Gay/File)
- Please explain in simple words
- Point out, “By the time the next one comes around, you’ll be an adult!”
- assemble the model
- Get directions using NASA’s interactive map
- Make a pinhole viewer
- buy glasses
- design a sun print
1. Explain in simple words
According to NASA Space Place, “A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth at just the right moment.”
The website also has a two-minute animated video that does a good job of explaining to kids what a solar eclipse is. This video explains what a solar eclipse is, what happens, and what you can see during it.
2. Point out, “You’ll be an adult by the time the next one comes around!”
Total solar eclipses are not often seen in the United States. The next total solar eclipse won’t be visible in North America until 2044.
Its rarity causes great excitement.
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Use this fact to get your kids excited about watching the April 8 solar eclipse. Let them know that the next time this event comes around, they will be adults.
3. Assemble the model
To explore solar eclipses in more detail beyond explanations and informative videos, use our interactive models.
You can use some household items to represent what happens during a solar eclipse.
Building models will help children better understand what happens during a solar eclipse. (AP Photo/Carolyn Thompson/File)
All you need is two balls. One represents the Earth with something large, such as a beach ball, and the other represents the Moon. You will also need a flashlight to represent the sun.
Shine a flashlight on a beach ball and have your child slowly move a small ball between the beach ball and the flashlight.
This will show you what happens during a solar eclipse and help your child understand better beyond verbal explanations.
4. View your path using NASA’s interactive map
NASA has an interactive map that you can view online to see locations within the total path. This allows children to find out in which cities a total solar eclipse will occur. Examples of cities where completeness is underway include Dallas and Cleveland.
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States outside of this path will see a partial solar eclipse.
On the interactive map, you and your child can click on different cities to see when the eclipse will occur and how long it will last.
5. Create a pinhole viewer
Viewing the solar eclipse through a pinhole viewer is one safe viewing method.
Creating a pinhole viewer is a fun activity for kids.
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With a pinhole viewer, you will be facing the sun with your back to the sun and viewing the eclipse through a projection.
6. Buy glasses
Another way to safely view a solar eclipse is to use special glasses.
Failure to use proper glasses to view the solar eclipse can cause serious eye injury.
Purchasing safe eclipse glasses is a fun way to increase excitement for the unusual event. (St. Petersburg)
Fortunately, there are many different options for glasses that you can choose for you and your child. Let them know they can choose which glasses they want to wear to really spice up your event. There are many different colors and designs available.
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To ensure that they are safe to use, look for the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 12312-2 code on the inside of the glasses you purchase.
The American Astronomical Society has a list of trusted manufacturers and distributors you can refer to to ensure the glasses you purchase protect your eyes..
7. Design a sun print
Making sun prints is an easy and fun craft to show your kids how powerful the sun’s rays are.
Scholastic’s website provides step-by-step instructions on how to create a sun print.
All you need is colorful construction paper, leaves, flowers, plastic wrap, and stones for weights.
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Once you and your child have gathered the leaves and flowers, arrange them on a sheet of construction paper as you like and cover them with plastic wrap. Secure the wrap with stones.
Then place the artwork in a sunny location. After a few hours, lift the plastic wrap and pull away the leaves and flowers to see what design remains.
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