Schools Prepare for April’s Total Solar Eclipse: A Cosmic Classroom Experience

As the Beatles' "Here Comes the Sun" resonated through Nancy Morris' seventh-grade classroom, students at Riverside School swayed to the rhythm. Henry Cohen, sporting a T-shirt adorned with planets, danced alongside his classmates. Meanwhile, second-graders giggled as they donned newly decorated eclipse viewing glasses. The room buzzed with excitement, and dioramas featuring miniature Earths, moons, and flashlight "suns" adorned desks and shelves.

Henry's shirt symbolized his fascination with space—a "cool mystery." But the upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8 was even more extraordinary. For schools situated in or near the eclipse's path of totality, this celestial event has sparked interdisciplinary lessons in science, literacy, and culture. Educators are seizing the opportunity to engage students in awe-inspiring learning experiences.

In Cleveland, Riverside School's students are immersing themselves in eclipse-related activities. Morris devised a mix of crafts, games, and models to prepare them for the event. "They really were not realizing what a big deal this was until we started talking about it," Morris shared. Learning about moon phases and eclipses is part of every state's science standards, but experiencing the real thing is unparalleled.

In Portville, New York, just outside the path of totality, school officials are determined to provide their 500 seventh- through twelfth-graders with an unforgettable experience. Buses will transport students to an old horse barn overlooking a valley, where they'll witness the eclipse's shadow around 3:20 p.m. EDT. Superintendent Thomas Simon rearranged the school day to ensure students don't miss this unique learning opportunity. "We want them to feel they're a small part of a magnificent planet," Simon emphasized.

Some schools in Cleveland and other eclipse-affected cities will close on eclipse day to prevent students from being stranded on buses or caught in crowds. The Lamplighter School in Dallas plans an outdoor viewing for their entire pre-K through fourth-grade student body. Science teachers Anita Orozco and Katherine Roberts want students to embrace the awe of this cosmic event. "We want our students to love science as much as we do," Roberts said.

Noemi Waight, a professor at the University at Buffalo, trains future science teachers to consider cultural perspectives. Native Americans, for instance, view the total eclipse as sacred. Understanding cultural nuances enriches the teaching experience. Meanwhile, the STEM Friends Club from SUNY Brockport collaborates with fourth-grade students, igniting their passion for science, technology, engineering, and math.

Christopher Albrecht, a fourth-grade teacher in Brockport, sees the eclipse as an opportunity to foster literacy. He's chosen books like "What Is a Solar Eclipse?" and "A Few Beautiful Minutes" to engage his students. "It's capturing their interest and imagination," Albrecht explained. Indeed, this celestial event promises to leave an indelible mark on young minds.