Exploring solar eclipses with youth
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EmailBy using some various sized balls, youth can explore more about an eclipse.
Why are people so excited about a solar eclipse? What is the big deal? How is it even possible for the moon to block the sun? 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.
People from all over the world gather to view a solar eclipse. Scientists and research prepare for days, weeks or even months to view and capture images of a solar eclipse. While the sun has been around for millions of years and will be for millions more, we have a limited knowledge of what is happening on its surface or its effect on life on Earth. Our knowledge has grown since the launch of the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) in February 2010. SDO has the mission to observe and collect data about the sun.
During a solar eclipse, the sunlight is blocked but the corona is visible. The corona is the outermost part of the sun’s atmosphere. The 2024 solar eclipse, which will happen in April, occurs close to the solar maximum, the peak of its approximately 11-year activity cycle, resulting in an increased chance that viewers will see solar streamers or a coronal mass ejection. This is when plasma extends beyond the normal area of the sun in fascinating patterns.
How does an eclipse work? How is it even possible for the moon to block the sun? Which is bigger the sun or moon? Adults can help youth increase their science literacy by asking questions and helping youth discover answers. By using some various sized balls, youth can explore more about an eclipse.
Begin by gathering some golf balls or similar small balls, one for each youth. You will also need one baseball or other medium-sized ball and one beach ball or large ball. Can youth use their golf ball to block the view of the baseball? How? Allow youth time to share ideas and experiment. Ask you to share how they were able to block the baseball with their golf ball. Did youth have different experiences holding the golf ball close to their eye compared to at arm’s length? This is one way a golf ball can block a baseball.
Next, place the baseball on a table at one end of a room. With the youth standing at the other end of the table, have them cover one eye and hold the golf ball near their other eye and look at the baseball. If they can’t see the baseball around the sides of the golf ball, have them slowly extend their arm while looking at the baseball around the golf ball. When could they see the baseball? If they still aren’t seeing the baseball, slowly back away from the baseball until they can see it’s edges around the golf ball. Next, show the beach ball and ask how would you need to adjust what you did to block the larger ball? Allow time for youth to experiment then share what worked and what didn’t work.
Youth can discover more information and videos about eclipses on the NASA eclipse resource for youth, What is an Eclipse? (Grades 5-8). Remember special eclipse viewing filters are needed to prevent serious eye damage if you plan to view the eclipse.
