What will it be like? Check out this librarian's account from 2017: Lessons from Totality: Learning from the 2017 Total Solar Eclipse | Programming Librarian
See NASA's eclipse educational materials including these STEM resources or download NASA's 2-page Fact Sheet (basic facts about the eclipse and basic viewing tips). Also see this activity guide (created for the 2017 eclipse), and learn some basic terms.
Consider building a time capsule to commemorate the 2024 eclipse. The next full solar eclipse in New York State won't be until 2079! See instructions for a DIY time capsule here: Do-It-Yourself Time Capsules | Total Solar Eclipse 2017 (nasa.gov)
Make a pinhole projector out of a cereal box or pizza box! See some full instructions here.
A printable journal to track the moon after the eclipse.
Coloring sheet, wordsearch, and maze
Gussy up those ISO standard glasses!
Over two dozen eclipse-related activities put together by STARnet (Science Technology Activities & Resources for libraries) as part of the STEM Activity Clearinghouse. You can filter by activity time, age, associated costs, and difficulty level.
The activities range from chalk-based drawings on black construction paper to solar ovens out of pizza boxes.
Some highlighted ideas:
| Build a pinhole projector Pre or post eclipse this craft and lesson covers the same concepts/structure as using an eclipse viewer while being safer than patrons making their own eclipse viewing device. Learn how to alter a box to make it reflect the world like a camera! For older teens, they can make a fully functional pin hole camera that will produce prints on photo paper. |
Make a mini-planetarium Using a cardboard tube, plastic, and a flashlight, make mini planetariums! This website also has linked printables about constellations and stars, besides links to more space activities. |
The 2019 Summer Reading Program was "A Universe of Stories," based on the theme of space. Do you have leftover crafts and tchotchkes from that summer? Here are some ideas with a broad space theme: * Taste test astronaut food * Host a spacey speaker, like an astronaut or NASA engineer * Any moon, sun or earth crafts from your repertoire |
| Harness the artistic power of the sun with cyanotype Use sun print paper or make your own by processing the paper in advance in cyanotype solution. Lay objects on top of the paper like leaves, flowers, pinecones, etc. and leave it in the sun for several minutes. Watch as the paper turns a beautiful blue and the objects have left an imprint on the paper! |
Space Cookies Create half-moon cookies using frosting, sprinkles and more. Mention they were invented nearby in Utica! Buy a few bags of Oreos or generic Oreos) and have each child recreate the eclipse, like so. |
Citizen Science Opportunities Participate as a group in things like SoundScapes and SunSketcher. You can prepare handouts ahead of the solar eclipse to get patrons ready for participation. |
Links to selected suppliers of solar viewers and filters that you can be confident are safe when used properly.
The Great 2024 Eclipse is a 64-page, full-color illustrated guide to the April 8, 2024, total solar eclipse. Everything you need to prepare for this awe-inspiring event is at your fingertips in this issue, including: Free Eclipse Glasses, The Hows & Whys of Eclipses, Eclipse Safety, How to Photograph an Eclipse, City Timetables, and Citizen Science Projects.
