Whether you are prepping to watch the Solar Eclipse, want to learn about moon phases, or explore the sun, we have some fun resources for you to check out! Our solar eclipse 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.
What Is A Solar Eclipse?
Introducing kids to the moon’s phases is a good place to start! The phases of the Moon refer to the different appearances or shapes of the Moon as observed from Earth during its orbit around our planet. Try this fun moon phases craft, or even make moon phases with oreo cookies.
During a solar eclipse, the moon casts a shadow onto the sun. Because the moon revolves around the Earth, every once in a great while, it will find itself between the sun and the Earth, causing a solar eclipse.
Types of Solar Eclipses
There are three types of solar eclipses: a total solar eclipse, a partial solar eclipse, and an annular solar eclipse.
Total Solar Eclipse
In a total solar eclipse, the Moon completely covers the Sun, and only the solar corona (the outer atmosphere of the Sun) is visible. Total solar eclipses are the most dramatic and occur when the apparent diameter of the Moon is larger than that of the Sun, blocking out its entire disk.
Total solar eclipses are relatively rare and can only be observed from a specific path on Earth, known as the path of totality.
Partial Solar Eclipse
In a partial solar eclipse, only a part of the Sun is blocked by the Moon. To someone on Earth, it looks as if a dark shadow is taking a bite out of the Sun. Partial solar eclipses are more common than total eclipses and can be seen from over a large area.
Annular Solar Eclipse
An annular solar eclipse occurs when the Moon is too far away from Earth to completely cover the Sun’s disk. As a result, a ring of sunlight, known as the “ring of fire” or annulus, is visible around the edges of the Moon.
Annular eclipses happen when the Moon is near its farthest point from Earth in its elliptical orbit. Like total solar eclipses, annular eclipses are only visible along a specific path on Earth.
It’s important to note that solar eclipses don’t occur with every New Moon because the Moon’s orbit is tilted with respect to Earth’s orbit around the Sun. The alignment necessary for an eclipse occurs during specific times of the year, resulting in a solar eclipse season.
Observing a solar eclipse requires proper eye protection, such as solar viewing glasses, to prevent eye damage. Directly looking at the Sun, even during an eclipse, can be harmful to the eyes. Make our DIY pinhole camera to safely view the eclipse!
Printable Solar Eclipse Activities Pack
Learn more about the lunar and solar eclipse with this free hands-on solar eclipse activity pack!
Solar Eclipse, Sun and Moon Activities
Lead up to the big event with fun solar eclipse STEM activities that feature the sun, moon, and the eclipse! I have chosen some fun and simple solar eclipse activities for kids to try at home or with a group!
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!
DIY Pinhole Camera
Find out how to make a pinhole camera from a cereal box and how a DIY pinhole camera allows you to view this amazing phenomenon of an eclipse safely!
DIY Solar Eclipse Model
Try a hands-on activity by building a solar eclipse model to demonstrate how a solar eclipse works.
Oreo Moon Phases
Enjoy a bit of edible astronomy with this Oreo space activity. Explore how the moon’s shape or moon phases change over the course of the month with a favorite cookie sandwich.
Glow In The Dark Moon Craft
Every night, you can look up into the sky and notice the moon’s changing shape! So let’s bring the moon indoors with this fun and simple puffy paint moon craft for preschoolers.
Phases of the Moon Activity
What are the different phases of the moon? Another fun way to learn the moon phases with this simple moon craft activity.
DIY Planetarium
Planetariums are great places to see what the night sky looks like without having to have a powerful telescope. Create your own DIY planetarium from a few simple supplies and explore constellations found in the Milky Way galaxy.
Layers of The Atmosphere
Learn about the Earth’s atmosphere with these fun printable worksheets and games. An easy way to explore the layers of the atmosphere and why they are essential to our biosphere.
Solar System Lapbook Project
Learn some facts about our amazing solar system with this printable solar system lapbook project. Includes a diagram of the planets in the solar system.
Solar System Model
Learn about the planets in our amazing solar system with this hands-on solar system project. All you need are a few simple supplies to create your own solar system diorama.
Watercolor Galaxy
Learn about our incredible Milky Way galaxy with this easy to do galaxy watercolor painting.
Galaxy Slime
What colors do you find in outer space? Make this beautiful galaxy inspired slime that kids will love playing with!
Galaxy In A Jar
A colorful galaxy in a jar. Did you know that galaxies actually get their colors from the stars within that galaxy? It’s called the stellar population! You can make your own space science in a jar instead!
Printable Solar Eclipse Project Pack
Celebrate the solar eclipse with this fun information and project pack!
Learn about solar and lunar eclipses with an educational worksheet pack, make an eclipse model, and create a DIY pinhole camera! Additional projects include an eclipse art project and a paper fold-out project!
Includes printable instructions and helpful photo step images!