On April 8, 2024, Austin will experience its first total solar eclipse since 1397! Thinkery is your source for ways to celebrate the eclipse with young learners. Keep reading for information, activities, and joyful learning opportunity to experience this once-in-a-lifetime cosmic coincidence!
What is an Eclipse Anyway?
A solar eclipse happens when, at just the right moment, the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, covering part of the sun. During a total solar eclipse, the moon completely covers the sun, casting a shadow on Earth until the moon has moved past the sun.
Share this PBS video with your kiddos to have them learn more about what an eclipse is!
Solar Eclipse Storytime Books
Reading books to your littles is a great way for them to learn about eclipses and beyond. Have them engage and become excited about this special event by sharing the joy of literature with them. Here’s a few special books curated by the Thinkery team!
- The Big Eclipse by Nancy Coffelt
- Sunpainters, Eclipse of the Navajo Sun by Baje Whitehorne
- Total Solar Eclipse: A Stellar Friendship Story by Jayme Sandberg
- Eclipse Solar by Alfonso Perez Camara and Daniel Estandia Garate (Spanish)
Eclipse Maker Activities
Pinhole Viewers
Tools & Materials: Toothpick, Cardstock, Pushpin, Ritz crackers, Collander
How it works: By creating a small hole in the surface and projecting the sun’s image onto another, you can experience the awe-inspiring eclipse phenomenon without risking eye damage. This DIY device is an accessible and educational way to witness the celestial event and appreciate the wonders of our solar system.
Modifications for younger learners:
- Have younger learners draw pictures of the patterns they observe when using pinhole viewers. This is especially fun when colanders make beautiful shapes.
- Ritz crackers are a great way to engage younger kids in an independent activity while offering up a snack.
Check out The Joyful Learning Collaborative’s Eclipse Guide (available in English and Spanish) for more eclipse themed activities!
Eclipse Viewing Preparation and Safety Tips
Use these safety tips to keep you and your littles safe during the viewing of the eclipse and plan accordingly.
- Do not look directly at the sun
- Use proper eye protection and get eclipse glasses ahead of time
- Be aware that there will be lots of tourists, which will increase traffic. Plan your travels and accommodation with that in mind.
The Autism Society of Texas, a Joyful Learning Collaborative member, has also created recommendations and resources, including a social story, to support friends with autism or neurodivergence with having a safe and comfortable eclipse experience. View their tips here.
Are you concerned about the weather? Even if we do get a few clouds this experience is sure to leave you in awe! Take a look at this video from the 2017 total solar eclipse in a city where there were cloudy skies. Please know that:
- It will still get dark.
- You will still feel a decrease in temperature.
- You will still notice environmental changes.
- There will still be great photo moments.
Joyful Learning Collaborative Eclipse Events around Central Texas
Want to attend an eclipse party? Join the Joyful Learning Collaborative at Eclipse viewing events around Central Texas before and on April 8.