Exploring solar eclipses with children
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EmailUse a penny to explore how the moon can hide the sun.
On Monday, April 8, the United States, as well as other parts of the world, will experience a solar eclipse. How big is the moon? Is the moon bigger than the sun? How can the moon block the sun during an eclipse? The Michigan State University Extension science team’s goal is to increase science literacy across Michigan. One way we support an increased interest in science is to provide ideas for engaging youth in exploring their world. Adults can better help youth increase their science literacy by encouraging them to ask questions and discover answers.
Information and videos about an eclipse for children in Kindergarten through fourth grade can be found on the NASA resource website, What is an eclipse? (Grades K-4). This activity is appropriate for all ages, including 4-H Cloverbuds (5–7 year-olds). Gather a variety of coins, a standard paper plate, tape and tape measure. While holding a penny and the paper plate, ask youth how could a penny hide this plate? Allow time for youth to share their ideas. Test as many as you like.
One way that a penny can hide the plate is to begin by taping the plate to a wall and having youth stand in front of the plate. Ask them to cover one eye and to hold the penny near their other eye and look at the plate. They should be able to see part of the plate around the penny. Have youth slowly back away from the plate while looking at it until the penny completely hides the plate. Measure and record the distance from the youth to the wall. Provide youth with other coins and ask them to first predict whether they will need to be closer or farther from the plate to completely block it with each type of coin before repeating the activity. A more formal version of this activity can be found on the Ohio 4-H website.
To learn more about the 2024 solar eclipse, read the MSU Extension article, “Solar eclipse visible in Michigan on April 8.”
