This is a 4-H Solar Eclipse activity by Cynthia Canan, PhD, State 4-H STEM Specialist, Ohio State University Extension and Sara Newsome, 4-H Alumnus and STEM Student Assistant, The Ohio State University
Reviewed by: Wayne Schlingman, PhD, Director of the Arne Slettebak Planetarium, The Ohio State University and Molly Avers, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development, Â Ohio State University Extension-Ottawa County
Topic: Space Science | Estimated time: 30 minutes | For individuals and groups | PDF for PRINTING
NOTE: It is never safe to look at the sun without proper eye protection. The only time this changes is when the moon has completely blocked all parts of the sun during a total solar eclipse.
Purpose
Complete a star circuit necklace by attaching a power source to an LED light to allow electrons to flow. As the eclipse surrounds you in total darkness, your star circuit necklace can keep things fun and safe by making sure you can see and be seen!
Materials
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star pendants (printed on white cardstock)
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5 mm 2.0-2.2V LED bulbs (at least one per youth)
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crayons, color pencils
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electrical tape
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ribbon or string
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scissors
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3V watch batteries (one per youth)
Instructions
- Print the star pendants and cut them out.
- Pick one star for the pendant and color it.
- The LED lights will have a long lead and a short lead. Connect the long lead to the positive side (+) of the watch battery and the short lead to the negative side (-) of the water battery. The LED should light up.
- Using electrical tape, tape the LED leads to the battery.
- Attach the watch battery and bulbs to the back of the pendant with electrical tape. You can secure the LED bulb: Â Â
- So that it is visible between two star rays (tips), or Â
- On the back of the pendant so that it illuminates the whole star. Â
If the LED bulb does not stay lit, fix the electrical tape so that it securely holds the leads to the battery.
- Cut two equal lengths of ribbon or string. Then, attach one length to each side of the back of the star pendant.
- Tie the lengths together to create a necklace.
For more solar eclipse activities, visit go.osu.edu/4hsolareclipse.
Unless otherwise noted, all images provided by iStockphoto.com by Getty Images.
ALL SOLAR ECLIPSE VIEWING RISKS BORNE BY THE VIEWER. Any and all risks associated by viewing the solar eclipse on any property operated by, or with glasses distributed by the Ohio State University, are borne and accepted solely by the individual taking such action. Instructions on how to use the glasses are printed on the inside of the glasses. Please read them carefully and follow the instructions exactly as written. You hereby release The Ohio State University, its Trustees, boards, officers, employees and representatives from any liability, for any and all claims and causes of action for loss of or damage to property and for any and all illness or injury to your person that may result from or occur during your participation in the activity, whether caused by negligence of The Ohio State University, its Trustees, boards, officers, employees, or representatives, or otherwise. See instructions on glasses before use.