Exploring solar eclipses with children

Tracy D'Augustino<daugustt@msu.edu>, Michigan State University Extension -

Use a penny to explore how the moon can hide the sun.

This image of the Aug. 21, 2017, total solar eclipse was taken from Madras, Oregon
This image of the Aug. 21, 2017, total solar eclipse was taken from Madras, Oregon. Photo credit: https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/eclipse_1-1280-1.jpg?w=2048&format=webp

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.”

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

Did you find this article useful?

Find your spark with image of 4-H clover.

You Might Also Be Interested In

Tag List
  • 4-h,
  • 4-h cloverbuds,
  • msu extension,
  • science & engineering
Michigan State University
  • Spartans Will.
  • © Michigan State University

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential.

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707.

We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).