On April 8, the United States will witness a rare and awe-inspiring event: a total solar eclipse. As the Moon passes directly between the Sun and Earth, day will turn into night for millions of people. This scientific phenomenon won’t happen again until 2044, making it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students to explore and learn.
LEGO® Education has created the Eclipse Collection, a set of activities designed to turn this unforgettable event into a lasting learning experience. Before, during, and after April 8, students can explore scientific connections, engage with the material, and bring the excitement of the eclipse into the classroom.
Eclipse Activities
The activities in the LEGO® Education Eclipse Collection were created by teachers for teachers. Each one is flexible and can be easily adapted to the grades and subjects you teach. You can use LEGO® Bricks, full LEGO® Education sets, or any materials you already have in the classroom.
Get ready for the eclipse with activities, classroom slides, and inspiration builds to help you get started.
Solar Eclipse Exploration
Students can study concepts related to a solar eclipse, such as motion and light principles. (Click Here to Learn More)
Design a Mobile Observatory
Challenge your students to explore engineering design by creating a mobile observatory for observing the eclipse. (Click Here to Learn More)
Engagement through Real-World Connections
Engagement is a top priority for both teachers and students. Three in five teachers surveyed say that staying engaged with the material they teach is difficult. Real-world connections, like the solar eclipse, make learning more relevant, memorable, and engaging for everyone.
Educator Daniel Buhrow says, “It transforms our classrooms into a dynamic and interactive space where learning extends beyond the textbook. It is not easy for us as educators presenting the same standards every year, and bringing in real and current examples helps me feel excited and rejuvenated with the content I am teaching.”
Jillian Johnson, another educator, adds, “Students always want to know how anything relates directly to THEM and THEIR lives. When my students are given the opportunity to apply what they are learning to real-world experiences, they not only understand the concepts more deeply, but other aspects of themselves as an individual learner also become strengthened.”
Dr. Jenny Nash of LEGO Education agrees, “Drawing tangible connections to the real world, and possibly even future careers, is a powerful way to engage students.”
NASA Resources
Safety First
It is important to remember that, except during the brief total phase of a total solar eclipse, when the Moon completely blocks the Sun’s bright face, it is not safe to look directly at the Sun without specialized eye protection for solar viewing. Make sure to learn how to view the eclipse safely by visiting the official NASA website.
Join an Event
NASA has a variety of in-person and virtual events that you can participate in before or during the eclipse. You can also join their live webcast on April 8, 2024 at 1:00 pm New York time.
Studying the Eclipse
Scientists both on and off the path of totality will be studying the Sun’s outer atmosphere, called the corona, and the eclipse’s impact on Earth’s atmosphere.
How to Participate
Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to engage your students in scientific concepts using a real, out-of-this-world moment. Explore the LEGO® Education Eclipse Collection and get ready to bring the excitement of the solar eclipse into your classroom.
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