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Eclipse information Collection Book Collection on Epic

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NASA provides comprehensive resources for teachers, including lesson plans, activities, videos, and interactive simulations related to solar eclipses. Their website is a valuable resource for educators.

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On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk.

Safety is the number one priority when viewing a total solar eclipse. Be sure you're familiar with when you need to wear specialized eye protection designed for solar viewing by reviewing these safety guidelines.

2024 Total Solar Eclipse: Through the Eyes of NASA

Watch live with us as a total solar eclipse moves across North America on April 8, 2024, traveling through Mexico, across the United States from Texas to Maine, and out across Canada's Atlantic coast.

To see NASA's broadcast in Spanish, a live stream of sounding rocket launches during the eclipse, and more, click below.
Experience the Eclipse

Total Solar Eclipse Broadcast

Safety

Except during the brief total phase of a total solar eclipse, when the Moon completely blocks the Sun's bright face, it is not safe to look directly at the Sun without specialized eye protection for solar viewing.

Viewing any part of the bright Sun through a camera lens, binoculars, or a telescope without a special-purpose solar filter secured over the front of the optics will instantly cause severe eye injury.

When watching the partial phases of the solar eclipse directly with your eyes, which happens before and after totality, you must look through safe solar viewing glasses ("eclipse glasses") or a safe handheld solar viewer at all times. You can also use an indirect viewing method, such as a pinhole projector.​

What to Expect

The April 8, 2024, eclipse will be a total solar eclipse. It will be the last total solar eclipse visible from the contiguous United States until 2044.

A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. People viewing the eclipse from locations where the Moon's shadow completely covers the Sun - known as the path of totality - will experience a total solar eclipse. The sky will darken, as if it were dawn or dusk. Weather permitting, people along the path of totality will see the Sun's corona, or outer atmosphere, which is usually obscured by the bright face of the Sun.

Where & When

The April 8, 2024, total solar eclipse will begin over the South Pacific Ocean and will cross North America, passing over Mexico, United States, and Canada.

Weather permitting, the first location in continental North America that will experience totality is Mexico's Pacific coast at around 11:07 a.m. PDT.

The path of the eclipse continues from Mexico, entering the United States in Texas, and traveling through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. The eclipse will enter Canada in Southern Ontario, and continue through Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia. The eclipse will exit continental North America on the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland, Canada, at 5:16 p.m. NDT.

Contribute to NASA Science!

On April 8, 2024, participants both in and outside the eclipse path can join NASA to learn more about our Sun and Earth and the effects of a total solar eclipse.

From cell phone apps to use on April 8 to recording the sounds of the eclipse, there are opportunities for anyone to get involved with studying this celestial event.

On April 8, the Moon's shadow will sweep across the United States, as millions will view a total solar eclipse....

Discover More Topics From NASA

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On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk.

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NSTA offers lesson plans, articles, and other educational materials on solar eclipses suitable for different grade levels. Many of these resources are aligned with national science standards.

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Kick-start your planning for the upcoming eclipse events. Solar Eclipses are exciting astronomical events that can provide a great opportunity for teachers and students to learn about the science of astronomy and explore the beauty of the natural world. Check out the following collection of resources and teaching materials to use in the classroom.

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PBS Learning Media - Eclipse Related Videos

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PBS Learning Media - Eclipse Related Videos

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PBS LearningMedia provides a collection of multimedia resources, including videos, interactive lessons, and educational games, related to solar eclipses. Teachers can search for materials by grade level and subject area.

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Search Classroom Resources | PBS LearningMedia

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Find classroom resources for teachers and students. Search for videos, lesson plans, and games aligned to state and national standards.

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2024 Eclipse Passport - St. Louis Science Center

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2024 Eclipse Passport - St. Louis Science Center

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The Smithsonian offers educational resources on solar eclipses, including articles, videos, and lesson plans. Their materials cover various aspects of eclipses, from their historical significance to their scientific exploration.

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Total Solar Eclipses Next Eclipse: April 8, 2024

Jump to a Section: Events Viewing Safety and Eclipse Glasses Activities Educational Videos Learn More about Eclipses Shop the Solar Eclipse Collection

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth and blocks the bright light of the Sun's surface from view. The shadow of the Moon will fall in a small path on Earth's surface, called the zone of totality.
When is the next solar eclipse? Total Solar Eclipse April 8, 2024
A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth at a close enough distance to completely block the Sun's light, creating darkness during the day.

Parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine are in the path of totality-meaning that the Moon will completely block the Sun. Other places will experience a partial eclipse.

Find your town on the map and see if you're in the path of totality.

The next total solar eclipse in the contiguous United States will be on August 22, 2044.
View Map Celebrate with the National Air and Space Museum April 8, 2024 Solar Eclipse Festival on the National Mall
Celebrate and observe the solar eclipse that will be visible all across North America on Monday, April 8! The National Air and Space Museum, in collaboration with other Smithsonian museums, NASA, NOAA, and the National Science Foundation, presents an outdoor festival with activities for all ages.
Learn More and Mark Your Calendar View the Solar Eclipse at the Udvar-Hazy Center Soar Together Family Day: Get Ready for the Solar Eclipse What We Do in the Shadow: The Total Solar Eclipse Experience Story Time: Eclipse
Events Across the Country

Not going to be in DC for the eclipse? No problem! Check out these programs at Smithsonian Affiliate organizations across the country.

Don't see an event near you? This map will be frequently updated. Check back often.
Check out an accessible experience of this map.
Please Note: These programs are hosted by Smithsonian Affiliate museums and are not hosted by the National Air and Space Museum.

How do you safely view a solar eclipse?

You should get safe solar viewers, or follow one of the alternative methods below for safely viewing the effects of the eclipse.

Staring at the Sun is dangerous for your eyes and cause permanent damage.

Where do I find eclipse glasses or safe solar viewers?
Free Solar Glasses from the Museum Buy a Pair from the Smithsonian Store, In Person or Online Order Online Giveaways in Your Community Select Welding Glasses Do You Already Have Eclipse Glasses?
Limited Number of Free Solar Eclipse Glasses Available at the Museum

The Museum is handing out limited supplies of free solar eclipse glasses.

Distribution Dates: Monday, March 25 to Sunday, April 7
Distribution Times: 12 to 4 pm (or until that day's allotment of glasses has been fully distributed)
Distribution Allowance: One pair of glasses per family or individual
Distribution Locations: Both locations
National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC
On the first floor to the left of the Museum store
(Note: Free timed-entry passes are required to enter the Museum.)
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Across from the John F. Plueger Family Welcome Center
(Note: Cars that enter and exit the parking lot within 30 minutes will not be charged a parking fee)

If the free glasses have all been distributed for the day, or additional glasses are desired, the Museum stores have them for sale (three pairs for $6) in person and online.

A limited number of eclipse glasses will also be handed out during the Museum's Solar Eclipse Festival on the National Mall on April 8.
Solar eclipse glasses are generously provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). How to Use Eclipse Glasses

Place the eclipse glasses over your eyes before looking toward the Sun, then look away from the Sun before removing the glasses.

You will not be able to see anything except the Sun through the eclipse glasses; they are not the same as regular sunglasses.

Eclipse glasses are only designed to be used over your eyes; do not combine them with a camera, binoculars, or telescope of any kind.

Where To Buy Eclipse Glasses from the Smithsonian
Smithsonian stores have eclipse glasses for sale (three pairs for $6) in person and online, while supplies last.

Glasses will be sold at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC and the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.

Glasses will also be for sale at the National Museum of African Art, National Museum of African American History and Culture, National Museum of American History, National Museum of the American Indian, National Museum of Asian Art, National Museum of Natural History, National Postal Museum, and Hirshhorn Museum.
Alternative Ways to View an Eclipse
If you don't have eclipse glasses, here are safe ways to experience an eclipse.

Remember never to look directly at the Sun.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my sunglasses instead of eclipse glasses?
No. Looking through sunglasses will not protect your eyes and you could still sustain permanent damage.

Can I look at the eclipse through my camera or phone?
No. Your eyes could still be damaged by looking at the sun through a camera's viewfinder.

How do I know if my eclipse glasses are still good?
Inspect your glasses for damage. This NASA video shows you what to check for. Also check the information printed on the glasses.

What if I'm in the path of totality at the moment of totality?
This is the only time you can look at the eclipse without glasses. If you're in the path of totality at the moment of totality the Sun will be completely blocked by the Moon. Because all of the Sun's light, you can view the eclipse without glasses. However, as soon as the Sun begins to reappear, you'll need your glasses again. Check the map to see if you'll be in the path of totality.

Why can't I look directly at a solar eclipse?

The Sun is extremely bright-it's about 3,820,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 times brighter than a 100 Watt lightbulb. The rays from the Sun can be very damaging to human eyes-permanently burning cells on your retina, a part of your eye.
More Tips for Viewing an Eclipse Advice from an Eclipse Chaser Appreciating a Partial Eclipse Activities To Do Anywhere Multisensory Eclipse Observations Educational Videos Coming April 2 Explore the Solar Eclipse with STEM in 30
On Tuesday, April 2, we will release a new episode of STEM in 30 all about the upcoming solar eclipse. STEM in 30 is our half hour video program for middle school students. Sign up to receive an email when the episode is available.

Sign Up

Teacher Tips for Using This Episode
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A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth and blocks the bright light of the Sun's surface from view. The shadow of the Moon will fall in a small path on Earth's surface, called the zone of totality.

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Kirkwood, MO - 2024 eclipse simulator | eclipse2024.org

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The Exploratorium offers online resources, videos, and interactive simulations to help students understand eclipses. Their website includes information about safe viewing practices and hands-on activities for classrooms.

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Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

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Miss Stephanie's Virtual Learning Adventures

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TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE April 2024 Virtual Field Trip, Kids, Elementary, Homeschool Space Science Lesson

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National Geographic provides articles, videos, and activities related to solar eclipses, along with background information about the science behind eclipses and their cultural significance.

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A total solar eclipse only happens somewhere on Earth once every year or two. What is an eclipse? Learn more about how solar eclipses happen, the four types of eclipses, and how to view the sun safely if you’re within the path of totality.

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LIVE Stream: Total Solar Eclipse Apr 8, 2024

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LIVE Stream of the Great American Eclipse on April 8, 2024. Follow the total solar eclipse live as it unfolds in the skies over Mexico, the USA, and Canada.

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BrainPOP has a video about eclipses to watch with your students

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BrainPOP - Animated Educational Site for Kids - Science, Social Studies, English, Math, Arts & Music, Health, and Technology

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Astronomer's Guide to the Solar Eclipse - American Museum of Natural History

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Astronomer's Guide to the Solar Eclipse - American Museum of Natural History

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An Astronomer's Guide to the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse

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Introduction: View the Solar Eclipse Using... a Tree?

Did you know that Mother Nature provides a completely natural way to view the solar eclipse? It's true! And not only that, it's perhaps one of the ODDEST things you'll see when the eclipse is happening. And this all natural way to watch as the moon crosses the face of the sun is available to everyone, and works no matter how much or how little of the eclipse is happening where you live, making even a small partial eclipse as interesting and amazing as a full eclipse.

Step 1: What You'll Need

1. Yourself. 2. A tree or a leafy plant.

Step 2: How It Works

The leaves of the tree or plant will cast shadows (obviously! :) but the spaces in between the leaves will act just like a pinhole in a piece of cardboard, which is a well known way to watch an eclipse.

Step 3: Here's the BEST Part!

But what you'll see is a whole array of solar eclipse pinhole projections, and it's quite an eerie sight to see. It's no wonder that, thousands of years ago, the eclipse was a fearful event that boggled the minds of early civilizations. You'll probably find it somewhat bizarre, too, even though you know precisely why it happens.

Step 4: BONUS Step

So, you live in a barren wasteland with no trees or plants? Not to worry...use your hands! ;)

Be safe, have fun, and enjoy the upcoming eclipse in whichever way you choose to see it, but don't forget to look down at the shadows on the ground, and don't be surprised if what you see will perhaps be one of the best memories of the event!

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View the Solar Eclipse Using... a Tree?: Did you know that Mother Nature provides a completely natural way to view the solar eclipse? It's true! And not only that, it's perhaps one of the ODDEST things you'll see when the eclipse is happening. And this all natural way to watch as the moon ...

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Lesson Plan: How to Safely Observe a Solar Eclipse

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Lesson Plan: How to Safely Observe a Solar Eclipse

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Overview

In this activity students will learn several ways to safely observe a solar eclipse.

Materials Required

Teachers who are interested in receiving the answer key, please complete the Teacher Key Request and Verification Form. We verify that requestors are teachers prior to sending access to the answer keys as we've had many students try to pass as teachers to gain access.

Procedure

Remember to never look directly at the Sun without proper safety equipment.

1. Have the students watch the Solar Eclipse Animation.

Solar Eclipse Animation | Video Length 0:30 | Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center Conceptual Image Lab

2. Analyze the map: Ask students what they will experience at your location during each of these eclipses?

If so, approximately how long will totality or annularity last at your location?

3. Optional: If you have solar eclipse glasses, have students put them on inside. They will immediately experience complete darkness, as the glasses block out nearly all of the light. Have them compare that experience to just regular sunglasses. This is a very effective demonstration at showing how much light the two types of glasses block.

circle star

one other shape and punch a hole where you live.

2. Make a prediction: Have students predict what shape will the Sun be when it is projected through the holes?

The shape of the hole in a pinhole projector doesn't matter. At times not during an eclipse the Sun will always project as round, no matter what the shape of the hole is in, because the Sun is round. During a partial solar eclipse and an annular solar eclipse, the shape of the Sun will be different, depending on how much of the Moon's disk is blocking the Sun.

Optional:

1. (Optional) 2024 Plan A: Indirect Viewing: Repeat the procedure for the pinhole projector of the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse US Map. This data driven pinhole projector shows how much of the Sun's disk is blocked by the Moon at each location on the map during the April 8, 2024 total solar eclipse. For example, locations on the 80% line will experience a partial solar eclipse, with only 80% of the Sun being blocked. Only observers in the path of totality will experience a total solar eclipse, with 100% of the Sun being blocked.
Make a prediction: What will you see using a pinhole projector during totality?

Have students answer the questions.

For observers experiencing a total solar eclipse, when do you need to use solar eclipse glasses?

Have students take quiz to determine if they are ready to safely observe any type of eclipse. Use the Eclipse Safety Quiz Google Form by making a copy and assigning to your students.

Sources:

1. How to View a Solar Eclipse Safely. (n.d.). Solar Eclipse. Retrieved March 7, 2023, from https://eclipse.aas.org/eye-safety

2. NASA Research | Science. (n.d.). NASA Solar System Exploration. Retrieved February 26, 2023, from https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/eclipses/science/nasa-research/

3. Solar Viewing Projector | Total Solar Eclipse 2017. (n.d.). Solar Eclipse. Retrieved February 26, 2023, from https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/solar-viewing-projector

4. US eclipse map for Saturday, October 14, 2023. Credit: NASA/J. Patrick Haas

5. A 2D cutout of a USA eclipse map for Monday, April 8, 2024. Credit: NASA/J. Patrick Haas

6. What you need to Know about Monday's Eclipse. (2017). Union Times. Retrieved March 10,2023 from https://www.timesunion.com/7dayarchive/article/Everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-eclipse-11945609.php#photo-13806972

7. Types | About - NASA Solar System Exploration. (n.d.). NASA Solar System Exploration. Retrieved April 2, 2023, from https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/eclipses/about-eclipses/types/

8. Garrison, M. (2023, March 8). SVS - The 2023 and 2024 Solar Eclipses: Map and Data. NASA Scientific Visualization Studio. Retrieved April 11, 2023, from https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/5073

9. 2023 Annular Solar Eclipse - USA Map - NASA Pinhole Projector. (2023, February 13). NASA 3D Resources. Retrieved August 16, 2023, from https://nasa3d.arc.nasa.gov/detail/usa-eclipse-2023

10. 2024 Total Solar Eclipse - USA Map - NASA Pinhole Projector. (2023, February 13). NASA 3D Resources. Retrieved August 16, 2023, from https://nasa3d.arc.nasa.gov/detail/usa-eclipse-2024

Supported NGSS Performance Expectations

Supported Common Core Math

Complementary Lesson Plans

Complementary Mini Lessons

Not finding what you are looking for?

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How to Safely Observe a Solar Eclipse | My NASA Data

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In this activity students will learn several ways to safely observe a solar eclipse.

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Lesson Plan: Solar Eclipse Safety Activity

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Lesson Plan: Solar Eclipse Safety Activity

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Overview

This hands-on activity is the construction of an extended coverage area of eclipse glasses to provide extra protection for safely viewing a solar eclipse. This makes it harder to look outside the lenses on the eclipse glasses.

Materials Required

Procedure

Remember to never look directly at the Sun without proper safety equipment.
Teacher Preparation:
Teachers can prepare the plates for students or have students make them. It is essential that they are checked to make sure there are not gaps that sunlight can get through. The cardboard from the eclipse glasses should completely cover the cut outs in the plates.

Do not tape glasses to the plates if you are planning to decorate them.
Procedure:

1. Prepare plates as described in the teacher preparation section.

2. Distribute the plates to the students.

3. Optional: Have students decorate the plates.

For younger children the earpieces might not fit securely. In that case, a string, ribbon, or rubber band can be attached to the sides of the plate so that the child can wear it like a mask. The string will help hold the protective shield in place.

Supported NGSS Performance Expectations

Complementary Lesson Plans

Complementary Mini Lessons

Not finding what you are looking for?

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Solar Eclipse Safety Activity | My NASA Data

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This hands-on activity is the construction of an extended coverage area of eclipse glasses to provide extra protection for safely viewing a solar eclipse. This makes it harder to look outside the lenses on the eclipse glasses.

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Do you remember the excitement around the 2017 total solar eclipse? Well, it is going to happen again on Monday, April 8, of this year. In a path a little more than 100 miles across, going northeastward from Texas through the Midwest and into New England, 32 million people will be able to see a total eclipse. People who live in that path, also called the path of totality, will see the day turn into night and observe the faint atmosphere of the sun-the corona-surround the dark disk of the moon. Everyone else in North America (more than 400 million people) will see a nice partial eclipse.

One key problem in 2017 was that some school administrators, sometimes driven by their district's insurance companies' worry about lawsuits if eye damage occurred, decided not to let students go outside to observe this rare and awe-inspiring celestial event.

There are many misconceptions about eclipses that make their way into the world of education. One is that somehow the sun emits more dangerous radiation during an eclipse. Not true. Another is that even momentarily looking directly at the sun will cause permanent eye damage. Also, not true! Looking at the sun for a prolonged time can hurt your eyes, but very few people ever do that because it hurts. In fact, a 2000 study by ophthalmologists found no recorded cases of permanent vision loss after a solar eclipse passed across the United Kingdom in 1999.

The value of students observing this dramatic celestial phenomenon for themselves should be obvious. Science-learning standards in most states require students to know what causes the phases of the moon and how the clockwork-like motion of the sun and moon produce eclipses (e.g., the Next Generation Science Standards space-science performance expectations.) How better to learn about these concepts than by experiencing the real thing?

Observing the eclipse just requires going outside on school property. One can easily argue that it is less dangerous than sending students on a field trip on a school bus-no one needs to leave campus or get into a vehicle; they only have to venture outside.

Of course, a key to making the eclipses a successful learning experience is knowing how to observe them safely. Many educators feel the need to purchase safe solar-viewing glasses for every student. In actuality, the glasses can be shared among several students, as the slow covering and uncovering of the sun by the moon takes several hours. But even more important, solar-viewing glasses (sometimes called "eclipse glasses") are overrated. One sees just a single small image of the sun.

There are many safe and exciting ways to project an image of the sun that also allow students to share the view with their peers. A great way to view a solar eclipse is to use something found in most homes: a colander for rinsing pasta or salad.

To try this activity during the eclipse, stand with your back to the sun and hold the colander so that the sun's light shines through it onto the ground or a wall. Inside the colander's shadow, there will be many tiny images of the eclipsed sun. The National Science Teaching Association has provided resource materials for educators, administrators, and families that include other ways to safely observe the eclipse.

We will not have the opportunity to see another total eclipse cross the United States until 2045. (There will be another one in 2044, but it won't reach as much of the United States). So Monday, April 8, is the perfect opportunity for schools and families to use this beautiful celestial event to excite students' interest in science. It also helps them learn important science concepts, including the cycles of celestial motion that define our units of time, such as the phases of the moon, and the way celestial events like eclipses can now be predicted hundreds of years in advance.

The eclipse makes the outdoors a wonderful, free laboratory for students, teachers, and staff to explore the way nature's cycles work. May you have clear skies to experience this awe-inspiring phenomenon with everyone at your school.

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The Solar Eclipse Is Coming. How to Make It a Learning Opportunity (Opinion)

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The value of students observing this dramatic celestial phenomenon for themselves should be obvious, write two science educators.

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If the weather cooperates, science students of all ages could be in for quite a show on April 8. The first sign will be a sudden temperature drop. The sky will darken, and winds will shift. A dark shadow will appear on the horizon. Faint waves of light may waft across the ground. A ring of bright light will shine from the outer edges of the otherwise darkened sun. Then the moon will cover the sun completely and, for a few seconds, a thin red layer may appear around its outer rim.

This fantastical display describes a total solar eclipse, which happens in the same place on the planet only an average of once every 366 years, according to experts. It's also the sort of once-in-a-lifetime occurrence that can get kids super excited about science-a worthwhile goal, especially amid a barrage of reports of disengaged students and sky-high rates of absenteeism.

The impending total solar eclipse raises several questions for educators-from how best to expose students to both its sheer magnificence and its value as a learning tool to, more broadly, how to infuse other 'real world' science lessons into the classroom. To get answers to these questions, Education Week reached out to science education guru Dennis Schatz, a senior fellow at the Institute of Learning Innovation, past president of the board of directors for the National Science Teaching Association, and advisor to the Smithsonian Science Education Center.

Schatz advocated for a carnival-like atmosphere to celebrate the coming eclipse; even, as he noted, several school districts will cancel school that day. He also shared his general thoughts on how teachers can generate interest in 'real-world' science learning and the obstacles that too often prevent it. Here's an edited version of the conversation.

What is your overarching philosophy of science education?

A fundamental philosophy of mine is to make science life-long, life-wide, and life-deep.

What do you mean by 'life-deep'?"

There's the workforce development focus of this; that is, the demand for STEM professionals. But life-deep also means getting involved and interested in science at a level that's appropriate for you. You may be an accountant, but you may like to watch the National Geographic Channel or read science books and, if so, that's an appropriate depth for you.

Where does engagement in science start?

Having been involved in schoolwide reform efforts, I've done a lot of work with teachers in the classroom, although I've never actually taught in one. Making science more engaging for students is probably the biggest challenge at the elementary school level, because not many elementary school teachers are trained in science. So the real goal, especially at the elementary level, is how to build enthusiasm in teachers so they can then get students excited.

So, what works?

It can start by getting teachers to think about how to use their local environment, or local community, to generate interest in science. For example, in the Northwest, salmon is a big issue [ declining numbers in recent years have been blamed on climate change and human development], so that can be a way to generate interest-either from an environmental perspective or a food perspective. There are a lot of different real-world connections to be made with salmon for people who live in the Northwest.

What about getting students excited to experience the solar eclipse?

Absolutely, the solar eclipse can be awe-inspiring, and it can be fun. I was talking to a teacher recently who said: I don't want to make it like a fire drill, where you take the students outside, with their glasses, take a look at the eclipse, and go back in. There's a whole range in how districts are treating the [upcoming] eclipse. It takes two and a half hours, from beginning to end. Watching the eclipse slowly go across the sun is like watching ice melt. So you want to think about ways in which you can make it into a fun experience. Enlightened administrators will encourage building an entire event around it: Think art activities, food, music.

How far in advance would you suggest teachers begin preparing students for the solar eclipse?

It's about two weeks out, and in the back of my mind, I'm saying: It's way too late. I guess you could try to cram it all into just one day, but I would recommend spending more time in advance. Ideally, well before the eclipse, teachers will bring some science activities into class that model what's happening with the phenomenon. There are many other real-life examples to draw from: Every six months, there's at least one lunar and one solar eclipse somewhere on the Earth.

Will most schools use the eclipse as a learning opportunity?

A huge number of districts are canceling school for a variety of reasons; one is liability. In the Midwest and Northeast, the eclipse happens at the end of the school day, and people are worried about safety issues and higher-than-normal traffic during the point of totality [when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun]. In these cases of school closures, teachers who plan in advance can share information with students about how to experience the eclipse safely, and they can in turn go home and teach their parents.

How do you recommend students experience the eclipse?

I think glasses are overrated. When you look through a pair of glasses, you get this little yellow dot. There are so many indirect ways to view the eclipse. One of my favorites is with a basic kitchen colander. If you stand with your back to the sun and hold the colander so the sun's light shines through it onto the ground or a wall, inside the colander's shadow you'll see many tiny images of the eclipsed sun.

Other tips for good viewing of the eclipse?

You want to find a place in the sun that's not obscured by shadows, somewhere away from tall buildings. At most schools, this might be a playground area. I recommend going out a couple days ahead of time and finding out where the shadows are going to be, so you can avoid them. And of course, the most important element is clear weather.

When the eclipse is over, how can science teachers maintain students' excitement about the natural world?

There are so many phenomena to observe and study-certainly in astronomy, from meteor showers to lunar eclipses-and all kinds of weather events, like hurricanes and earthquakes. You have to be sensitized, as a teacher, to think: I'm going to use these events to motivate an interest in science.

What resources do you suggest for teachers who want to stay informed about real-world science lessons?

The NSTA publishes three journals for educators, targeting elementary, middle, and high school students. I also like the New York Times' science section. There's also Scientific American magazine, which has moved from being a journal for scientists and now is much more geared for the lay audience.

So, if resources are available, what gets in the way of teaching real-world science lessons?

For teachers, it's often a matter of figuring out: How do I feel like I have the freedom to move away from what I'm supposed to teach? Things are so standards-driven these days, there's just no time or ability to deviate. Plus, you're worrying about how kids are going to do on tests, and so many other things-social-emotional learning, safety. But if you aren't generating an ongoing interest in the scientific phenomena that you can see and experience, then you're doing a disservice to students.

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How Schools Can Turn the Solar Eclipse Into an Unforgettable Science Lesson

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The once-in-a-lifetime event can pique students' interest in science.

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How Harvard University is Helping the Blind Community Experience the Solar Eclipse

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How Harvard University is Helping the Blind Community Experience the Solar Eclipse

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How Harvard University is helping the blind community experience the solar eclipse