Solar Eclipse Resources & Activities
Published:
May 18, 2020
Contributor:
Annette Breedlove
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. See my disclosure for more info.
Did you know there are multiple solar eclipses each year? I guess I never paid attention to it much growing up. So it wasn’t until we started homeschooling and studying Astronomy that I actually knew this – or at least remembered it.
As a child, I remember being so fascinated with them. We would set the timer in our classroom and wait for the eclipse to happen. Back then we couldn’t get out of our chairs to watch, but we could definitely see the effects through the window and feel the difference in temperature as the sun was covered.
Ever since the total solar eclipse in August 2017, my kids have begged to see another one, which we are waiting patiently for (or not so patiently). So we are paying more attention to their paths throughout the year so we don’t miss any depending on where we are traveling.
Types of Solar Eclipses
The Partial Eclipse happens when the Moon comes between the Sun and the Earth. But unlike the Total Eclipse, the partial only covers a portion of the Sun’s disk, rather than the total area.
A Total Eclipse is when the New Moon comes come between the Sun and the Earth completely, thus casting a dark shadow over the visible area. When totality happens it can be as dark as night and the temperature will drop sometimes up to 15-20 degrees for the duration of totality.
An Annular Eclipse is when the Moon covers the Sun’s center, leaving the Sun’s visible outer edges to form a “ring of fire” or annulus around the Moon.
Two Solar Eclipses To View in 2020
This year there are two solar eclipses. On June 21st there will be an Annular Eclipse over South/East Europe, most of Asia and Africa as well as, parts of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, and far north Australia. The second solar eclipse will take place on December 14th. It will be a Total Eclipse most visible in most of South America, portions of southern Africa, the northern part of Antarctica, and the southern portions of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans.
Regardless of whether a Solar Eclipse is in your area or not, they are fun to learn about. Use these resources to study all about them with your kids.
Solar Eclipse Word Search | Mama’s Learning Corner
Solar Eclipse Printable Pack | The Fervent Mama
Solar Eclipse Printable Worksheets | That Bald Chick
Solar Eclipse Simple Word Search | K is for Kinderrific (TpT)
Easy and Simple Eclipse Mini Book | Royal Baloo
Solar and Lunar Eclipses Worksheet | Education.com
Find the Main Idea: Solar Eclipses | K12 Reader
Sun Facts for Kids Worksheet | Itsy Bitsy Fun
Solar and Lunar Eclipses Worksheet | School of Dragons
Don’t miss these other FREE Space Printables & Activities
Eclipse Activities: Lunar Eclipse & Solar Eclipse | Simply Kinder (TpT)
{FREE} Solar Eclipse Printable Pack | Simple Living Creative Learning
Total Solar Eclipse Doodle Notes | The Morehouse Magic (TpT)
Solar and Lunar Eclipses Activity | Science Spot (TpT)
Solar Eclipse Craft & Coloring Sheet | First Grade Funzies (TpT)
DIY Viewers, Crafts & Activities
How to Make a Solar Eclipse Viewer | Boys’ Life
Solar Eclipse Craft for Kids | Books and Giggles
Making a Pinhole Solar Eclipse Viewer | Thrifty Fun
Starry Night Sensory Bag | Playground Parkbench
Make a Pinhole Viewing Box to Safely Watch the Solar Eclipse | Life with Moore Learning
Coffee Filter Solar Eclipse Craft | Look! We’re Learning!
Solar Eclipse Mobile & Activity | Traci Clausen (TpT)
Solar Eclipse Craft | The Joy of Sharing
Solar Eclipse Paper Model | Only Passionate Curiosity
Solar and Lunar Eclipse Crafts Wheel | Free Your Heart (TpT)
Find more homeschool resources on my Pinterest boards!
Annette Breedlove
Annette has been married to her husband and best friend since 2003. Together they are raising their six children to follow the Lord’s will, no matter what. Annette longs for the day when she will meet her angel babies who have entered heaven before her. She enjoys creating UNIT STUDIES and FREE PRINTABLES for homeschool families. You can follow her crazy life at In All You Do where she blogs about homeschooling, homemaking and marriage while trying to maintain her sanity. She is also the owner of Thrifty Homeschoolers where she shares her tips on homeschooling without breaking the bank.
