We will be traveling four hours west into the Path of Totality for the 2024 Solar Eclipse and we are taking this lesson plan with us to complete before donning our safety shades and witnessing a truly spectacular celestial event.
2024 ECLIPSE DAY - Grades 6 - 12
MATERIALS
Computer with Internet access
Safety Glasses for the whole family
A piece of paper and pen/pencil. My students use their learning journals (blank journal to keep handwritten assignments). Composition books make great learning journals and writer’s notebooks.
LESSON
Watch and interact with Socratica’s “Eclipses” Video.
HINT - Be sure to hit the “rewatch” button anytime you miss a question. Do not be discouraged, we are learning new things and learning new things takes focus and repetition.
Learn Spelling/Vocabulary. Enjoy playing the “2024 Eclipse” Jeopardy Game
Prediction: Before beginning, be sure to take a few moments to think about all of the words heard, and viewed, in the video.
Make a guess at how many of those words you think you know: 50 percent? 90 percent? All of them?
Write this number down in learning journal.
Play the game by selecting a category, then a point value. Answer the question then click the space bar to reveal the right answer.
Did you get it right? If not, take a moment to think about the word and the definition. Write it down on a piece of paper, or in your journal, to practice. Remember this is about learning and learning takes time and practice.
Want to have more fun? Click here to practice the vocabulary in a variety of ways. Start with the flashcards, then challenge yourself with fun games. My favorites are Snowman, Matching, and Crossword. HINT: You can complete this practice before you play the game.
Review words regularly until all are mastered. Be patient. This takes time.
Watch: Check out NASA’s map for the time and percentage of totality for your hometown.
It’s time to put on those safety glasses and head outdoors to see the eclipse!
Reflect: Set a timer for 10 minutes and answer one of the writing prompts in your journal. This is freewriting…do not stop writing and do not edit. Just get your thoughts down on paper. Some students prefer to communicate thinking through drawing, so we included a drawing prompt. :)
Imagine you're an astronomer studying the 2024 total eclipse. Write a journal entry describing your observations during the event. What did you see? How did you feel witnessing this rare event?
Create a fictional story set during the 2024 total eclipse. What adventures might unfold during this extraordinary event? Use your imagination to weave a narrative filled with mystery and wonder.
Write a poem about your experience watching the eclipse. Consider who was with you, what you thought, and all of your senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, hearing) as you draw.
OBJECTIVES
Science Understanding: Watching Socratica's "Eclipses" video and playing the "2024 Eclipse" Jeopardy game help students understand the science behind eclipses. They learn about vocabulary related to eclipses, which enhances their understanding of astronomical concepts.
Vocabulary Development: By engaging in vocabulary activities such as playing games and using flashcards, students expand their knowledge of specialized terminology related to eclipses. This strengthens their language skills and comprehension of scientific concepts.
Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: The Jeopardy game encourages students to think critically and recall information learned from the video. They must assess their understanding of the material and strategize to answer questions correctly.
Research Skills: Exploring NASA's map to determine the time and percentage of totality for their hometown encourages students to utilize online resources and interpret data. This fosters research skills and familiarity with scientific tools.
Hands-On Experience: Putting on safety glasses and observing the eclipse outdoors provides students with a firsthand experience of a celestial event. This helps them connect theoretical knowledge to real-world phenomena, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of science.
Writing and Reflection: The writing prompts encourage students to reflect on their observations and experiences during the eclipse. By expressing their thoughts, feelings, and creative ideas through writing and drawing, students develop communication skills and deepen their understanding of the event.