The 2024 total solar eclipse provides school administrators and educators a unique opportunity to educate Indiana's youth about an unforgettable celestial event. While this event is a real-time teaching opportunity, it is crucial that school leaders consider their plans for the day of the big event.
- Statewide Eclipse Preparation
The state of Indiana is working with local communities to prepare for various challenges posed by the 2024 total solar eclipse. For more information:
- For School Administrators
Thousands of people will be flooding into Indiana and surrounding states, especially along the path of totality. School administrators have decisions to make regarding this influx of people. While preparing for the 2024 total solar eclipse in Indiana, school administrators should consider the following and gather the necessary resources to make this event both safe and educational for Hoosier students.
State Department of Education Guidance
Determinations about school instruction on the day of the eclipse are local decisions. The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) reminds school administrators to consider minimum instructional time thresholds and that schools should be planning ahead for eclipse day. That may mean conducting school in-person and including special events during the day, having virtual learning or modifying spring break to include April 8.
IDOE is working with NASA and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to offer solar eclipse programming via the Indiana Learning Lab, IDOE eclipse webpage and an educational STEM-focused event at the speedway. Students who attend the speedway event will receive free admission, whether with their school or a paying adult.
IDOE advises schools to take extra precautions to ensure vision protection of students and recommends consulting NASA's eclipse eye safety webpage.
Safety Measures
- What safety protocols and procedures need to be in place to ensure the well-being of students and staff during eclipse viewing activities?
- Traffic will be a major issue, which could mean buses are stuck in traffic for long periods of time. Should schools consider an e-learning day or letting students out early to ease traffic concerns?
Communication
- How will the school communicate eclipse-related information and safety guidelines to parents, students and staff?
Curriculum Integration
- How can the eclipse be incorporated into the curriculum to maximize its educational impact across different subjects and grade levels?
- Districts and schools in the totality zone may want to consider hosting an eclipse event for families and the community.
Equipment and Resources
- What budget and resources are needed to provide eclipse glasses, viewers and educational materials to all students and teachers?
Alternative Activities
- In case of unfavorable weather, what alternative educational activities can be planned to ensure the learning experience remains valuable?
The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) also provides administrators an overview: What School Administrators and Other Education Leaders Need to Know.
- For Educators
Indiana Department of Education Website
Visit the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) Eclipse webpage for various educational eclipse-related resources, including activities by grade level.
Eclipse Viewing
- American Astronomical Society:
- Approved Vendors of Viewing Aids
- How to View Eclipse Safely: English | Spanish
- NASA: Eye Safety During a Total Solar Eclipse
Educational Materials
Activities
- NASA: K-12 Formal Education
- StarNet Libraries: 180 Solar Eclipse Activities
- Franknoi.com: Eclipse, Sun and Moon Activities
Books and Articles
- Indiana State Library: Eclipse-related books and articles for reference
- NSTA: Solar Eclipse Guide for Educators
- STAR Library Network: Guide for Public Libraries and Their Communities
Videos
- NASA:
Tour of NASA’s Solar Eclipse Map for 2023 and 2024 - National Geographic: Solar Eclipse 101
- Science ABC: A Beginner’s Guide to Eclipses
- Purdue University:
- Vox: Why People Get So Excited About a Total Solar Eclipse
- Totality Town: 2024 Total Solar Eclipse Preview
- Dan Falk Science: All About the April 8, 2024, Total Solar Eclipse
Accessibility
- For Visually Impairments: ARISA Lab has a soundscape app that allows people with visual impairments to experience eclipses through sound and touch. Light levels are translated to sound and vibrations so progressive stages of an eclipse can be experienced. The Eclipse Soundscapes app can be downloaded from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Learn more about the Eclipse Soundscapes Project
Culturally Responsive Learning
Eclipses hold significance across many cultures. There are multiple resources available for culturally responsive teaching. Here is a non-comprehensive list:
- Indigenous Education Institute: Indigenous Eclipse Teachings
- NASA: Science Interviews en Español (Spanish)
- NASA: Eclipse Diary (Spanish)
Downloadable Resources
- American Astronomical Society:
