WHAT IS A SOLAR ECLIPSE
It is important for kids to understand what is occurring to realize how extraordinary a solar eclipse is. A solar eclipse is simply when the moon positions between the Earth and the sun and blocks the sun from our view. On August 21, 2017 the moon and Sun will be perfectly aligned, making it a total solar eclipse. This type of eclipse is extremely rare. Most people are lucky to see one in their lifetime.
SOLAR ECLIPSE EXPERIMENTS
WHAT YOU WILL NEED:
- Flash Light
- Small Ball attached to string
- Map or Globe
HOW IT WORKS:
- For this experiment we used a large map of the United States of America, a small ball will represent the moon and the flash light is the sun.
- Attach string to the ball using tape. Then fasten the string to the end of your flash light.
- Lay out your map on the floor.
- Hold your flash light up high over the map and position the moon to cast a shadow on the map starting in California. Guide the flashlight and ball across the map so display the movement of the moon shadow.
SUGGESTED BOOKS
One of the best ways to learn about the eclipse as a family is to read about them together. Highly recommend “The Sun Is My Favorite Star” by Frank Asch, “Sun and Moon: A Giant Love Story” by Lisa Desimini. “The Moon Book” by Gail Gibbons and “Far-Out Science Projects About Earth’s Sun and Moon” by Robert Gardner. After reading the story, my boys enjoyed acting out their own version of the story. You could even have your little ones put on a play or even a puppet show.
AUGUST 21, 2017- VIEWING DAY RESOURCES
PLANNING THE PERFECT SOLAR ECLIPSE
This article was published in April 2017 to help families plan their ultimate solar eclipse trip. If you are looking for information on traveling to witness the total solar eclipse than this should be helpful for you. LINK TO ARTICLE
LOCAL ECLIPSE EVENTS FOR MARYLAND FAMILIES
You will be able to witness a partial solar eclipse view in Maryland and will not be under the moon shadow. On the East Coast, the eclipse will start shortly after 1:00 p.m. and reach totality just before 3:00 p.m. Here’s a list of some of the top viewing places in Maryland.
SOLAR ECLIPSE PARTY- JAMES E. RICHMOND SCIENCE CENTER
Date: August 21, 2017
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: James E. Richmond Science Center, Waldorf, MD
Details: Watch the rare solar eclipse from the parking lot with telescopes projecting the eclipse onto the ground for safe viewing. Solar glasses will be available for $1 as well as pastries, iced coffee drinks, and ice cream. So bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets to sit back and enjoy the view.
Cost: This is a free event with no registration required.
Information: http://www.ccboe.com/sciencecenter/solar-eclipse/
VIEWING PARTY- CHARLES COUNTY LIBRARIES
Date: August 21, 2017
Time: 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Location: All Branches
Details: Watch the solar eclipse at the library! Learn about the different type of eclipses, do a craft, and then get to watch the peak of the eclipse at 2:44 pm with special glasses to protect your eyes from the Sun’s damaging rays.
Cost: This is a free event with no registration required.
Information: https://ccplonline.org/about/events
VIEWING PARTY- ACCOKEEK FOUNDATION
Date: August 21, 2017
Time: 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Accokeek Foundation
Details: Celebrate this rare occasion with a BYO picnic on the farm. With 82% visibility, the peaceful and tranquil setting of Piscataway Park is a prime location to witness the sun disappearing behind the moon. Star gazers should begin at the Visitor Center to purchase special solar-themed refreshments and view a live stream of the event. The sky will begin to darken at 1:18pm with the peak at 2:43pm but visitors are welcome to drop in anytime. Receive a free pair of ISO certified solar eclipse glasses with registration.
Cost: This is a free event with no registration required.
Information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1962868737280843/
VIEWING PARTY- CALVERT COUNTY LIBRARY
Date: August 21, 2017
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: All Branches
Details: Enjoy the 2017 solar eclipse with Calvert Library! All locations will have fun, educational viewing experiences for all ages. Protective glasses will be available on a first come, first served basis. Call your branch for specific times at the event.
Cost: This is a free event with no registration required.
Information: calvertlibrary.info
VIEWING PARTY- DAHLGREN
Date: August 21, 2017
Time: 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Location: Navy Community Recreation: Parks & Picnic Areas, Dahlgren, VA
Details: Join the Dahlgren Library on the Parade Field for the first solar eclipse since 1979! Enjoy activities for kids and safety glasses for all.
Cost: This is a free event with no registration required.
Information: http://www.navymwrdahlgren.com/events/f743bd75-048d-4f54-a189-1ec2810528ab
SUN FUN: ECLIPSE- MARYLAND SCIENCE CENTER
Date: August 21, 2017
Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Maryland Science Center, Baltimore, MD
Details: The Maryland Science Center’s Observatory is hosting a watch party. With paid admission to the center, eclipse watchers will have access to safe viewing and sun-themed activities.
Cost: Free with price of museum admission
Information: http://www.mdsci.org/event/sun-fun-eclipse/
VIEWING PARTY- NATIONAL ZOO
Date: August 21, 2017
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: National Zoo, Washington, DC
Details: Stop by the Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s Pachyderm Plaza (just outside the Elephant Community Center) from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 21 to view the solar eclipse through a safe solar telescope and to pick up free safe eclipse glasses provided by the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum.
Cost: Free no registration required.
Information: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/events/solar-eclipse-viewing
SOLAR ECLIPSE DAY- PORT DISCOVERY
Date: August 21, 2017
Time: 12:00 PM -5:00 PM
Details: Join fellow eclipse watchers at Port Discovery on Solar Eclipse Day to prepare for this rare astronomical event before it takes place. Learn the science behind this exciting natural phenomenon, create solar eclipse art, and join in celestial activities.
Cost: Free with museum admission
Information:
http://www.portdiscovery.org/calendar/events
SOLAR ECLIPSE PARTY- AVIATION MUSEUM
Date: August 21, 2017
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: College Park Aviation Museum
Details: The Great American Solar Eclipse is Monday, August 21st. Join WUSA 9 and WPGC for a fun afternoon of Science and Selfies! We’ll be handing out ISO-certified Solar Eclipse glasses to the first 600 attendees.
Cost: This is a free event with no registration required.
Information: https://www.facebook.com/events/
SOLAR SAFETY
No matter where you watch the eclipse, remember to wear solar glasses or use a filter to safely view the eclipse! You can purchase solar glasses online or even at local stores like Lowe’s.
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