32 days: Are you ready for the eclipse?

Submitted by Kathy Tracey on Thu, 07/20/2017 - 21:19
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On August 21st, a solar eclipse in which the moon passes between the sun and Earth will last about three hours. The longest period when the moon completely blocks the sun will last slightly over two minutes. The last time the United States saw a complete eclipse was in 1979. This is a wonderful time to get students engaged in Earth and Space Science. Below are a few resources you may find useful as you prepare instruction for this event. 

  • http://earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/total-eclipse-of-sun-august-21-2017
  • https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/eclipse-who-what-where-when-and-how
  • http://www.eclipse2017.org/2017/educators.HTM

How are you planning on teaching about the solar eclipse? What resources are you using?

Kathy Tracey
@Kathy_Tracey

Comments

Friends, There are many new and free apps being promoted to help everyone experience the first solar eclipse in almost 38 years. This link will connect you to free apps from NASA that will make the experience much more enriching for students. https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/apps

What apps have you found to prepare for, and watch, the eclipse?

Kathy

Friends, 

We are getting closer to the solar eclipse on August 21st. And, as we expect, social media is full of information. However, some of the information is not accurate so it becomes a great opportunity to help students distinguish between valid scientific information and common misconceptions. I invite you to check out the article Four Emerging Misconceptions On Social Media About The Upcoming Great American Eclipse. The author, Marshall Shepherd, highlights the following misconceptions. 

1. If you are not in the path of totality you will not experience anything.
2. We have seen eclipses before recently, what's the big deal? 
3. If it is cloudy or raining, we will not experience anything.
4. Oh, cool, we can make our own viewing glasses.

His article includes wonderful graphs and images and would be a phenominal teaching resource. Perhaps we can also keep students from harm by using cheap or self made viewing glasses. 

Sincerely, 
Kathy