You guys! I am so excited! A few years ago, on Monday, August 21, 2017, there was be a total solar eclipse. The Total Solar Eclipse 2017 was dubbed the “Great American Eclipse” because it was be visible in totality within a band across the ENTIRE contiguous United States. My Mom and Dad’s house is in that band of totality and we were able to view the entire thing!! I am almost giddy with anticipation, because it’s happening again. On Monday, April 8th, 2024 there will be another total solar eclipse and it will pass over Mexico, the United States, and Canada.. Only this time, the totality will last up to totality will be up to 4 minutes and 27 seconds! We will, of course, be this incredible phenomenon in our homeschool, and I thought I’d share the Solar Eclipse Printable Worksheets we used last time as well as other resources we used. Much of this we will do again with our youngest, since she was so young last time around.
How to Enjoy the Total Solar Eclipse 2024
Safety first!
We have our Solar Eclipse Glasses
ready. The NASA website stresses that with the exception of the moments of totality, when the moon FULLY covers the sun, protective glasses or solar viewers are absolutely necessary for safe eclipse viewing. Regular sunglasses are not enough to protect your eyes and could actually cause permanent damage.
NASA recommends only using eclipse glasses that received certification for meeting the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard. American Paper Optics, the maker of these glasses, is one of the few listed on the NASA site.
Soluna Solar Eclipse Glasses – CE and ISO Certified Safe Shades for Direct Sun Viewing, (10 Pack)
Learn About Eclipses
We read When the Sun Goes Dark several times before the eclipse, to prepare the kids for what to expect. It is written by Andrew Fraknoi, an award-winning science educator who is known for his skill in interpreting astronomical discoveries and ideas in everyday language. I’m not a member of NSTA, so I found my copy on Amazon.
Document the Eclipse
In addition to getting our solar eclipse glasses
, Hubs bought a camera solar filter
, so we can take pictures with our camera.
Be sure to pick up your CE and ISO Certified Safe Shades for Direct Sun Viewing solar eclipse glasses FAR in advance. They tend to become more expensive the closer to the eclipse you get because they are harder to find! You want to make sure you and your family are viewing safely.
Because our kids were entering preschool, 3rd grade, and 5th grade for the last eclipse, I wanted something that they could ALL do to document the eclipse.
This Solar Eclipse Printable Worksheets pack is just what we need! It has a coloring page – one is trace the letters which is perfect for preschoolers and the other is fill-in-the-blank, which is great for older children. It also has a fun matching game, a word search that is ideal for upper elementary grader students, and a notebooking page.
I absolutely cannot wait for the 2024 solar eclipse!
Be sure to check out these solar eclipse cupcakes while you’re here! They disappear almost as fast as totality. LOL
I also have another free solar eclipse printable that is a word search that you can print.
Have even more fun outside with these classic backyard games, fun weekend learning activities and this camping and nature scavenger hunt!
Be sure to subscribe to That Bald Chick to get updates in your inbox. Subscribers get access to the Suscribers Library, where this Fun With Robots Workbook for preschoolers is free!
See you around!
***Originally published in 2017 and updated in preparation for the coming 2024 solar eclipse.***
