Easy and Fun Solar Eclipse Activities for Kids
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I love putting an educational spin on things that are happening in the world around us. It has always felt like a natural addition to our homeschool studies. It is also a great way to connect kids to the ‘why’ of learning. These solar eclipse activities for kids are perfect for the next solar eclipse or as part of an astronomy unit.
On October 14, 2023, parts of the United States will experience a solar eclipse. You might remember the last total solar eclipse on August 21st in 2017. My kids were in elementary and middle school grades and we spent quite a bit of time learning about the event. Unfortunately, we were traveling and missed being near the path of totality, which was not far from our home in WA.
We still enjoyed learning about the solar eclipse even if we didn’t get to witness it ourselves.
Next solar eclipse visible in the United States: October 14, 2023 (There will be another solar eclipse, known as the Great American Eclipse, visible to the United States on April 8, 2024.)
Path of annular solar eclipse: Southern Oregon – Southern Texas
Check out this NASA page for details on the timing of the path as well as the percentage of partial eclipse you might experience in your hometown.
During a solar eclipse, the moon passes in front of the sun. The 2017 eclipse was a total solar eclipse. The 2023 eclipse will be an annular solar eclipse. The difference is based on the position of the moon.
In a total eclipse, the moon is closer to Earth, allowing it to visually block off the entire sun.
In an annular eclipse, the moon is closer to its maximum distance from Earth, making it visually smaller and unable to block the entire sun. There will still be a small ring of light visible around the moon.
Reminder – If you want to observe the eclipse, please wear solar eclipse glasses. It is a safe way to look at the sun. Staring directly at the sun’s rays can damage the human eye.
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Get ready for the big day with these easy and fun solar eclipse activities for kids.
Solar Eclipse Activities for Kids
A pinhole camera, also known as a pinhole projector, is a great way to view a solar eclipse if you don’t have eclipse glasses.
The materials are inexpensive and probably already in your home. All you need is:
- 2 pieces of white cardstock
- Aluminum foil
- Scissors
- Tape
- Paper clip
You will use the pinhole camera to view the solar eclipse on the piece of cardstock that is on the ground. Do not view the sun directly through the pinhole like a kaleidoscope!
Make a Glow in the Dark Solar Eclipse Shirt
Amazon is full of solar eclipse-themed shirts, but making your own could be a really fun activity. This would be especially fun if you are planning to be in the path of annularity or totality!
Jackie at Homeschool Super Freak has a great tutorial. Younger kids might need help getting the paint just where it is wanted, but older kids can probably do this with just supervision.
Making your own festive solar eclipse shirts is a fun way to commemorate the event.
Track the Path of the Eclipse
Tracking the path of the eclipse is one way to work a little United States geography into your solar eclipse activities for kids.
First, print out a blank map of the United States. Super Teacher Worksheets has a free blank printable version.
Then look at the path of the eclipse on the NASA website. Talk with your kids about how the eclipse will move along its path. Then let your students copy the path onto their map.
Printable Solar Eclipse Worksheets
I don’t love using worksheets all the time, but sometimes they are exactly what you need. They can be a quick and easy way to review a subject to make sure kids understand. They can also be used as proof of progress if your state requires things like that.
I found a few free printable solar eclipse worksheets that might be helpful:
- Solar eclipse printable worksheets by That Bald Chick
- Solar eclipse printable pack by Simple Living Creative Learning
- Solar eclipse reading comprehension
- Solar eclipse foldable notes
Making a model of a solar eclipse is pretty easy. Essentially, all you need is something to represent the sun, something to represent the moon, and a light source.
Inspiration Laboratories did this with a small ball, a golf ball, and a flashlight.
Kids can play around with moving the ‘moon’ and see if they can create an annular solar eclipse and a total solar eclipse.
This chalk art rendition of a solar eclipse is super simple. Even preschoolers can do it!
You will need:
- Chalk
- Construction paper
- Tape
- Scissors
- Metalic pen (optional)
Grab the complete instructions from Books and Giggles.
This free solar eclipse mini-book was created specifically for total solar eclipses, but I think it will work with annular solar eclipses too. It is an opportunity to explain the differences to little ones.
The mini-book has pages for the phases of a total solar eclipse, an eclipse diagram, and a blank map of the United States.
Ted-Ed offers short high-quality videos that do a great job explaining a variety of topics. One of the videos, What Creates a Total Solar Eclipse, is a fantastic addition to any discussion about solar eclipses.
The ‘think’ section contains 6 comprehension questions to make sure students understand eclipses. The ‘dig deeper’ section contains a few links to other educational resources.
I love easy crafts that help explain a concept. The combination of completing a project and seeing the finished result can really help kids understand new ideas.
This solar eclipse craft is really quick and easy. You need:
- 2 coffee filters (the round basket style)
- Construction paper
- Glue stick
- Crayons (black and white)
Check out Look Were Learning for the full directions.
If you enjoyed this post, be sure to check out these other solar system activities!
- DIY Solar System Cookies
- Fun Astronomy Games for Kids
- Awesome Educational Solar System Activities for Kids
- Easy and Educational Solar System Crafts and Projects
I hope these fun activities help you get ready for the next eclipse.
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