Teaching overview
Learning points
- There will be a total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8th.
- Total solar eclipses happen when the moon fully blocks out the sun.
- Heliologists study the sun.
- In some areas of America, it might be difficult to see the eclipse if there is a lot of cloud.
- It's important to wear solar eclipse glasses when watching the partial phases of an eclipse, to protect your eyes.
Curriculum keywords
- total solar eclipse
- moon
- sun
This Week's Kahoot Quiz
Each week we'll be bringing you a free quiz that you can use with your students after they've enjoyed the episode.
Spark a discussion
The Total Solar Eclipse
- On what date will the total solar eclipse happen?
- Why do you think this event is called a total solar eclipse?
- Can you name a state that will be on the path of totality?
Studying the Sun
- What name is given to scientists who study the Sun?
- What is the outer atmosphere of the Sun called?
- Why is it difficult to study the Sun’s atmosphere?
Predicting Clouds
- What might make it difficult to see the eclipse?
- How can the scientist's map help us plan where we go to watch the eclipse?
- What other natural events could historical data help us to plan for?
Classroom Resources
Use these resources to get the most out of the news update and engage your class in topical science!
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Video Viewing Guide
This graphic organizer supports your students to capture their thoughts and questions as they watch the news update.
Make Your Own Science News Update
This simple guide helps your students to create their very own science news updates.
Language and Literacy Activities
This guide gives you ideas for how the news update can be used to support language and literacy activities.
Discover More About Topics Covered In This Week's Update
Twig Science: A Complete Pre-K–8 Program for the NGSS
Immersive Investigations with High-Quality Multimedia
- Investigating, designing, building, and understanding phenomena
- Hands-on, digital, video, and print investigations
- Synchronous/asynchronous distance learning