FAMILY ACTIVITIES

The cereal box becomes a way to answer questions about an eclipse and steps for safe viewing. The box can be designed by using images that have been cut out and glued to the outside of the box, as well as written steps for safe viewing using solar glasses, and hand drawings of the umbral and penumbral shadow cones.  These are only possibilities. The design is totally up to each participant.  

The Twist:  In addition to watching the eclipse we will attempt to measure the diameter of the Sun with these boxes.

Participants will plot, on a 3D graph, the apparent path of the Sun for April 8, 2024. They will describe the path as well as the speed of the Sun moving across the sky.  The Moon wil be plotted next in this activity and show how the Moon's Path helps to create the eclipse today.

Keep solar viewing safe, easy, and fun with this hands-on, art-infused, 25- to 30-minute activity for audiences of all ages. Engage learners in the wonders of solar viewing by having them personalize their solar eclipse glasses. 

This simulation demonstrates how moon phases occur. Participants use a white ball to represent the Moon and a light source to represent the Sun. Holding the ball and turning to simulate the Moon's orbit, students watch how the lit portion of the ball changes depending on its relative position.

Using simple materials, participants create 3D models of the Earth, Moon and Sun and demonstrate solar and lunar eclipses. This method uses 3 steps that allow learners to engage, explore, and make meaning of their own.

The orbit of the moon is tilted relative to the orbit of the Earth around the sun, so the moon often passes below or above Earth. At those times, it does not cross the line between the sun and the Earth, and therefore does not create a solar eclipse. There are just two times a year in the Earth's orbit when there is a possibility of a total solar eclipse.

The Beach Ball Activity is a hands-on activity demonstrating how the particular alignment of the Sun, Earth, and Moon can cause an eclipse. Visitors investigate the positions of these objects to create shadows and learn about solar eclipses.