Solar Eclipse Science: Build Your Own Solar Eclipse Projector!
In this class we will learn all about solar eclipses, how they occur and how to view them safely. We will build our own pinhole projectors out of common household items that can be used as a way to safely view the April 2024 solar eclipse.
Ms. Sarah, M.Ed. Science Education
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(4)
What's included
1 live meeting
45 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
US Grade 3 - 6
Beginner Level
During this class we will learn all about solar eclipses. We will answer questions such as: What makes a solar eclipse occur? Why don't we experience solar eclipses very often? How can you safely watch a solar eclipse? Students will share any prior knowledge they have through a brief group discussion. I will explain the science concepts through a quick lecture, illustrated with demonstrations, a slideshow and video clips of actual solar eclipses. We will discuss safe viewing of solar eclipses and how to find out when and where to watch the upcoming solar eclipse in April 2024. We will learn the science behind how a pinhole projector works. Finally, we will build our own cereal box pinhole projectors. I will give a brief tutorial and assist as the students build their projector.
Learning Goals
Students will learn the basic movement and positioning of the Earth, moon and sun during a solar eclipse. They will learn specific details of the April 2024 solar eclipse that will be viewable across the contiguous United States. They will learn how a pinhole projector works and how to build a simple one from common household materials.
Other Details
Supply List
Cereal box (or similar small box) 1 Sheet of white paper Pencil or other writing implement Scissors Pushpin or small nail Aluminum foil White glue, or a glue stick Packing tape, or scotch tape
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined July, 2023
5.0
4reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
I love star gazing and have over a decade of experience teaching astronomy to kids in grades 3-6th at overnight ecology school and in the science classroom. The 2017 solar eclipse viewable across the United States was such a fun experience. I love that so many people are excited about a science phenomena and that it turns into a community event. I'm looking forward to getting as many kids as possible excited about the solar eclipse in April, 2024. Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$10
per classMeets once
45 min
Completed by 8 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-11
1-6 learners per class
