Solar Eclipse

Are you planning or participating in an in-person solar eclipse viewing event? Follow these tips for sun safety.

Try these solar eclipse activities any time . . . on your own, in your club, or even at school. These activities will help you understand the science behind solar eclipses.

Scroll down for activities to use during a solar eclipse event.

Activities To Use Anytime

Each activity has identified learning outcomes that include the most applicable Next Generation Science Standard. For details, see each activity or this Summary of Learning Outcomes.

Small Moon, Big Sun 1 

Topic: Space Science
Level: Cloverbud, K-2
Activity: Use everyday objects to make a model of the sun, moon, and Earth. What happens during a total eclipse?
Time: 30–45 minutes

Small Moon, Big Sun 2

Topic: Space Science
Level: Beginning, Intermediate
Activity: Use a coin, paper plate, and your measurement skills. How does such a small moon cover the sun?
Time: 30 minutes

Small Moon, Big Sun 3

Topic: Space Science
Level: Intermediate, Advanced
Activity: Use a coin, paper plate, and math and measurement skills. How does such a small moon cover the sun?
Time: 30 minutes

Solar Eclipse Shadow Play

Topic: Space Science
Level: Intermediate, Advanced
Activity: Understand the sun as a light source. What can you discover about the moon shadows cast during an eclipse?
Time: 30 minutes

Camera Obscura - Pinhole Camera

Topic: Space Science
Level: Intermediate, Advanced
Activity: Another way to "look at" an eclipse is to use a camera obscura! Does it work the same way as our eyes do? Find out!
Time: 30 minutes

Activities To Use During a Solar Eclipse

The following activities are intended for use by activity facilitators during a solar eclipse event.

Decorate Solar Eclipse Viewing Glasses

Topic: Space Science
Activity: Decorate your viewing glasses before the main event!
Time: 30 minutes

Create Pinhole Art

Topic: Space Science
Activity: Create art or use an object to view the changing shadow during the eclipse.
Time: 30 minutes

Make an Eclipse UV Bead Bookmark

Topic: Space Science
Activity: Create a bookmark that detects the presence of UV light!
Time: 30 minutes

Build a Star Circuit Necklace

Topic: Space Science
Activity: Complete a star circuit necklace by attaching a power source to an LED light to allow electrons to flow.
Time: 30 minutes

Solar Eclipse Activities Production Team

These solar eclipse activites were produced by these members of Ohio State University Extension Publishing:

• Carrie Davisson, Editorial Specialist
• Annie Steel, Project Coordinator
• Jane Wright, Assistant Director
• Rebecca Zimmer, Graphic Designer

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.