Whether you are prepping to watch the Solar Eclipse this August {or in 2024}, learn about moon phases, or explore the sun, we have some fun resources for you to check out! Our solar eclipse STEM activities for kids will help prep you for the big day and have some fun leading up to it. Engage kids all year long with cool science and STEM activities.
MOON AND SOLAR ECLIPSE STEM ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS
WHAT IS A SOLAR ECLIPSE?
Do you know all about the solar eclipse and how/why one happens? Do you know all the phases of the moon? During a solar eclipse the moon casts a shadow on to the sun. Because the moon revolves around the earth, every once in a great while, the moon will find itself in between the sun and the earth causing the solar eclipse.
Now a solar eclipse will be preceded by a new moon, but not every single new moon with have a solar eclipse coming up. Which is why it’s important to learn about the phases of moon! This is a sweet moon activity. You can read more about why each new moon doesn’t have a solar eclipse. You can also read about lunar eclipses.
There are three types of solar eclipses. There is a total solar eclipse, a partial solar eclipse, and an annular solar eclipse. This year a total solar eclipse may be seen by those in it’s path of totality. You can read much more about the solar eclipse and three types here.
CHECK OUT THE PATH OF THE SOLAR ECLIPSE
Where do you live? Are you in a prime viewing area for the big event. Check out these detailed maps from NASA. Have your kids find the closest spot to go for a total solar eclipse {even if it’s just for fun}. We will only see a partial eclipse here given the path {around 2:45pm}.
NEVER EVER LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE SUN/SOLAR ECLIPSE WITHOUT PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR.
We are planning to make a simple DIY cardboard pin hole camera or camera obscura for a fun STEM activity this week. Join us!
There are two pretty simple ways to get started here. Here is another large box eclipse viewer sample. Or you can make a solar eclipse viewer using a cereal box. I think we might just have one available!
SOLAR ECLIPSE VIDEOS FOR KIDS
My son loves to watch videos to learn about new things. Here are two kid friendly solar eclipse videos that make a great start!
SOLAR ECLIPSE, SUN, AND MOON STEM ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS
Lead up to the big event with fun solar eclipse STEM activities that feature the sun, moon, and the eclipse! I have picked out some fun and simple solar eclipse STEM activities for kids to try at home or with a group!
Make a model of a lunar and solar eclipse to show kids how it works! Use this simple STEAM craft to demonstrate the sun and the moon during a solar eclipse. Print out this moon journal for the whole month.
Or try a computer free coding activity of the moon phases after you snack on the Oreos from the edible moon phases activity above. Or make a 3D model of the moon phases. You could also try a tasty moon pie moon activity during snack time.
What will you do to celebrate the unique event happening this year? Once the solar eclipse has passed, there’s still tons of learning to be had with phases of the moon, space, and astronomy! Don’t let the finish of the eclipse be the end of a new learning journey!
Of course, you have to try some slime! We love making slime and although it might not fit the theme of solar eclipse completely, try our galaxy slime or a dark night/deep space slime.
