Each year, as Montessori children celebrate their birthdays by walking around the sun, they deepen their understanding of the solar system, the universe, and their place in it. On April 8 this year, Montessori students in a large portion of North America will have a similar opportunity as they witness and learn about a total solar eclipse, the last such event to be seen from the contiguous United States until 2044.
Weather permitting, people along the path of totality will be able to see the sun’s corona, or outer atmosphere, which is usually blocked by the sun’s bright rays. Observers viewing the eclipse from outside the path may observe a partial eclipse, where the moon covers most, but not all, of the sun. For those who are outside the totality path, NASA provides livestreaming of eclipse events that allow students and adult learners of all ages to experience this once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon. You can learn more about the solar eclipse and view an interactive map on the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) website.
Studying the Solar Eclipse in Montessori Classrooms at Different Levels
Throughout history, solar and lunar eclipses have provoked astonishment. From ancient civilizations to more recent societies, spiritual interpretations have abounded from around the world.
Montessori educators today understand that solar eclipses are exciting events that provide students and teachers unique opportunities to learn about astronomy and the beauty of the natural world. Check out the following resources and activities to help guide Montessori learners of all ages!
Early Childhood
- Make special eclipse glasses!
- Visit a local planetarium that may be offering shows about the eclipse.
- Simulate a solar eclipse using a flashlight and a globe.
- Create Solar Eclipse 3-part cards.
- Introduce a Phases of the Moon puzzle.
- Make a paper model using black construction paper and orange and yellow paint.
- Play a variation of “Duck, Duck, Goose” called “Sun, Sun, Moon” where the moon chases the sun. When the moon catches the sun, the kids say “Total Eclipse!”
- Read a book about eclipses such as Someone is Eating the Sun by Ruth A. Sonnenborn and illustrated by Eric Gurney or The Big Eclipse by Nancy Coffelt.
The opinions expressed in Montessori Life are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the position of AMS.