Solar Eclipse Videos and Activities for Kids

Explore the ultimate resource of Solar Eclipse Videos and Activities for Kids! A collection of videos, activities, books, songs, and teaching materials to learn all about a Solar Eclipse with your child.

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Solar Eclipse Videos and Activities for Kids

We’re sharing with you our favorite videos, books, activities, songs, and resources so you can learn all about a solar eclipse. Are you ready to become a scientist?

In 2024, the path of totality, where the Sun is completely covered by the Moon, will pass through parts of North America, including Mexico, the United States, and Canada.

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the Sun’s light. This can only happen during a new moon when the Sun does not illuminate the side of the Moon facing Earth.

Here are some helpful maps of the US from NASA that show the path of this upcoming Solar Eclipse.

There are three types of solar eclipses:

• Total solar eclipse: The Moon completely blocks the Sun’s light, creating a shadow on Earth. This type of eclipse is only visible from a narrow path on Earth.
• Partial solar eclipse: The Moon only partially blocks the Sun’s light, creating a shadow smaller than the Sun’s disk. This type of eclipse is visible from a larger area of Earth.
• Annular solar eclipse: The Moon passes directly in front of the Sun, but it is too small to block the Sun’s light completely. This creates a ring of light around the Moon, called an annulus. Annular eclipses are only visible from a narrow path on Earth.

Solar eclipses are a rare and beautiful sight. They can be dangerous to look at directly, so it is important to use special solar eclipse glasses or a pinhole projector to view them safely.

Here’s Why We Observe Solar Eclipses.

Solar Eclipse Videos

I’ve put together a collection of solar eclipse videos for kids that I believe as a teacher and a mom are appropriate for the kid to watch online. I’d encourage you though to talk about these as a family or classroom to expand their knowledge.

Solar Eclipse | The Dr. Binocs Show

What is a Solar Eclipse | NASA Space Place

Solar Eclipse 101 | National Geographic

Why the 2024 Solar Eclipse is Such a Big Deal | PBS

2024 Total Solar Eclipse: Why You’ll Never See It Again | CBC News

Solar Eclipse | BrainPOP

Here’s a really helpful Powerpoint about Solar Eclipses for kids from GBH and PBS.

How an Eclipse Proved Einstein Right | NOVA

Solar Eclipse Activities

Observing a solar eclipse is a once in a lifetime experience. There are many creative ways to learn about a solar eclipse with hands on activities. Here’s our top picks for solar eclipse activities for kids.

• Moon Bread Recipe for Kids
• Total Solar Eclipse Painted Paper Plates
• Moving Solar Eclipse Craft
• How to Make a Pinhole Camera
• Solar Eclipse Pinhole Viewing Box
• Easy Solar Heat Beam Activity
• Sun Craft for Kids
• Foldable Solar Eclipse Science Craft
• DIY: Make your own Eclipse T-Shirt
• 2024 Solar Eclipse Coloring Page
• Easy No Bake Eclipse Cookies
• Solar Eclipse Printables for Kids
• Code and Color Eclipse Coloring Pages
• Modeling Eclipses Lab
• Solar Eclipse Craft for Kids
• Free Solar Eclipse Coloring Pages
• Solar Eclipse Easy Reader Book
• Solar Science Experiments for Kids

Which solar eclipse activity will you do first?

Fun Facts About Solar Eclipses for Kids

• A solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth, blocking the Sun’s light.
• The darkest part of the eclipse is called the umbra, and it’s where the Moon completely blocks the Sun.
• The lighter part of the eclipse is called the penumbra, and it’s where the Moon partially blocks the Sun.
• Solar eclipses can only be seen from certain parts of the Earth.
• The next total solar eclipse visible in the United States will be in April 2024.
• During a solar eclipse, it is very important to wear special glasses to protect your eyes from the Sun’s harmful rays.
• Animals often behave strangely during solar eclipses. For example, birds may stop singing and cows may lie down.
• Solar eclipses have been happening for billions of years.
• The first recorded solar eclipse was observed in China in 2134 BC.
• Solar eclipses are a reminder of the vastness of the universe and the beauty of nature.

Which solar eclipse fact surprised you the most?

Solar Eclipse Books

• Total Solar Eclipse: A Stellar Friendshi by Jayme Sandberg (Listen to Read Aloud)
• A Few Beautiful Minutes: Experiencing a Solar Eclipse by Kate Allen Fox (Listen to Read Aloud)
• What Is a Solar Eclipse? (Who HQ Now) by Dana Meachen Rau (Listen to Read Aloud)
• Eclipse by Andy Rash (Listen to Read Aloud)
• Eclipse: How the 1919 Solar Eclipse Proved Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity by Darcy Pattison
• Totality!: An Eclipse Guide in Rhyme and Science by Jeffrey Bennett (Listen to Read Aloud)
• The Sun Plays with the Moon by Alicia Mofford

Solar Eclipse Teaching Materials

There are so many fun ways to create models of a solar eclipse. Here are a few of my favorite teaching materials to have on display and utilize with young children. They are a great addition to our Space STEM Camp too.

• Rotating Solar System Solar System Projector
• 4M Kidzlabs Earth & Moon Model Kit
• Earth Moon and Sun Orrery Toy Building Sets
• Smartivity Earth Sun Moon STEM Fun DIY Toy
• Solar System Model of Earth Moon and Sun, Automatic Rotation
• Solar Eclipse Glasses

Solar Eclipse Songs for kids

Here are a few songs about the solar eclipse for your child to enjoy and share with others.

Are you ready to see the Solar Eclipse? Even if you’re not in the path of totality, you can still see a partial eclipse from other parts of the world. It’s an exciting event that brings people together to marvel at the wonders of our universe!

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