Total Solar Eclipse Fun Facts & Crafts

Learn about the total solar eclipse, a beautiful phenomena, with these facts, crafts, and fun! Celebrate this natural event and be sure to view the eclipse safely!

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The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament sheweth his handiwork. Psalm 19:1

Unless you live under a rock (or on the dark side of the moon!), you’ve probably heard there’s going to be another solar eclipse passing through North America this year. Specifically, April 8, 2024. You might be digging in closets looking for solar eclipse glasses you stashed away seven years ago. (TIP: get a new pair!).

I love when Creation gives us an amazing display of God’s wonderful works! We will only experience a partial solar eclipse where we live, but, as my son said, “Let’s be content with 92% eclipse!” I am sure it’s still going to be amazing. And we can still learn from this solar eclipse phenomena!

I can’t believe how many cool things I’m finding about how to enjoy the total (or partial, as in our location) this year! I’ve compiled a handy list for parents for what to know, do, and watch for during the Total Solar Eclipse of 2024!

Why it matters? According to Science News, this will be the last solar eclipse to cross North America for 20 years! And with a particularly active sun this eclipse will last longer and be darker. Read on for more about why this eclipse is especially special!

What to know about a Total Solar Eclipse

First, you should definitely know if you’re in the path of totality or not. Most people aren’t. So find out  how close you are and what to expect, so you can set appropriate expectations for children.

Check out this interactive map of the total solar eclipse to see what will be happening near you. Here is a state-by-state map guide.

Know what to look for during a total solar eclipse – there are so many very cool phenomena both visible and sensory!

Learn about shadow bands – you may or may not see them in your area! They are a mystery!

And these five surprising effects of the total solar eclipse on animals (besides it getting dark!)

Be aware of safety precautions – never look directly at the eclipse without proper eclipse glasses (you cannot make them yourself!). See what NASA recommends!

And know what to bring to the solar eclipse!

And if you want to be super unique – get this fun “Together At Last” Solar Eclipse t-shirt! (Affiliate link) Personally designed by a fellow blogger so it’s ultra-cool!

Total Solar Eclipse Fun for Kids & Families

Build your own pinhole camera out of an oatmeal box (J Daniel 4’s Mom)! – especially handy if you don’t have the right kind of solar eclipse glasses. (but please, please, please, view the solar eclipse safely! You MUST have the right kind of eclipse glasses on during the eclipse. I hear you can remove the glasses during totality but that can be only 20 seconds in some places! So maybe just leave them on).

Solar Eclipse Learning Activities

Find out why we don’t have more eclipses by learning about the phases of the moon with this yummy Oreo activity! (The Best Ideas for Kids)

Create a solar eclipse with coins – awesome idea from Only Passionate Curiosity.

Math fun with the solar eclipse – by NASA!

Write some Earth, Sun, and Moon Acrostic Poetry on the day of the eclipse – a great activity from the Science Penguins site.

Make a solar eclipse model with a flashlight (especially helpful if you are not anywhere near the eclipse viewing – you can still celebrate!). Thank you, Little Bins for Little Hands!

Solar Eclipse Printables

Here’s a free Solar Eclipse word search printable from Growing Play’s site.

And a free I Spy Eclipse Printable from Your Therapy Source! (handy for keeping kids busy while waiting for the totality/partiality)

For the littler ones, free solar eclipse coloring pages! (3 Dinosaurs

This printable solar eclipse bookmark will help them track the phases of the eclipse. (3 Dinosaurs)

Total Solar Eclipse Fun Crafts & Activities

Try this Eclipse Coffee Filter Craft from Look We’re Learning – super duper easy for us low-prep moms! (alternatively, use paper plates like this craft).

Let your kids paint the eclipse with chalk pastels, from my favorite video art site, (affiliate) Chalkpastel.com!

Preschoolers will love this torn paper eclipse craft from 3 Dinosaurs blog.

Did you know you can watch the eclipse through a colander? Try this!

This DIY Eclipse t-shirt craft from KC Parent also looks incredibly easy to make.

While you wait for the eclipse to happen, celebrate with these fun total solar eclipse snacks from blogger Kara Carrero.

Read up on Total Solar Eclipse Facts (and some fun books!)

This book list will be perfect for your morning time read-alouds!

Solar Eclipse Books for Kids: The Day the Sun Disappeared: A Fun Story to Teach Kids About the Solar Eclipse and Eye SafetyYour Complete Guide to the 2024 Solar Eclipse: Essential Tips to Enhance Your Eclipse Experience including Historical, Scientific, Travel and Photographic InformationWhat Is a Solar Eclipse? (Who HQ Now)Eclipse: How the 1919 Solar Eclipse Proved Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity (Moments in Science)Sky Gazing: A Guide to the Moon, Sun, Planets, Stars, Eclipses, and ConstellationsSolar Eclipse coloring book for kids: Fun astronomy coloring book for kids of all ages,Learn while having funSomeone Is Eating the Sun (Random House Pictureback)When the Sun Goes DarkA Few Beautiful Minutes: Experiencing a Solar EclipseSunpainters: Eclipse of the Navajo SunSky Gazing: A Guide to the Moon, Sun, Planets, Stars, Eclipses, and ConstellationsEclipse: Our Sky’s Most Dazzling PhenomenonTotal Solar Eclipse: A Stellar Friendship StorySolar Eclipse: Illustrated Astronomy Book for Kids: A Child’s Guide to the Wonders of Solar EclipsesSolar Eclipse Books for Kids: The Day the Sun Disappeared: A Fun Story to Teach Kids About the Solar Eclipse and Eye SafetyABC’s of Solar Eclipse: Teaching the Basis of Solar Eclipses500 Pieces Solar System Stickers Realistic Planet Roll Stickers 9 Space Designs Motivational Stickers for Solar System Party Educational Decorations Supplies[5 Pack] Solar Eclipse Glasses AAS Approved 2024 – ISO Certified and Approved for Safe Direct Sunlight Viewing – Solar Eclipse Glasses for Kids and Parents (Planets Joy)

 

Remember always keep your eyes safe during an eclipse! 

If you aren’t able to get the proper glasses in time, call your local library – they may have some left to hand out. And there are plenty of ways to enjoy total solar eclipse fun without looking directly at the sun!

Enjoy this amazing phenomena with facts and crafts to satisfy your kids’ eager questions! And remember to take a moment and praise the Creator for all his wonderful works!

When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? Psalm 8:3-4

Get a Total Solar Eclipse Souvenir

These t-shirts are so clever!

Together Again Retro Sun And Moon Holding Hands Eclipse 2024 T-ShirtTotal Solar Eclipse 2024 USA April 8 2024 T-ShirtTotal Solar Eclipse Twice in a Lifetime 2024 Tee Gift T-ShirtSolar Eclipse 2024 Infographic Funny Skywatcher Astronomy T-ShirtSolar Eclipse Gamer Eating Sun Retro Video Game Men Boys Kid T-ShirtView Totality April 8 2024 Cat Graphic Art Solar Eclipse T-ShirtSolar Eclipse Shirt – August 21 2017 Graphic Totality Tee

 

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