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A solar eclipse is a little more than a week away and even if your school isn’t in the so-called “path of totality,” you and your teachers should seize the opportunity to connect the celestial spectacle to what kids are learning in class. For those administrators closing school on April 8, know that these eclipse apps and learning activities will be just as engaging on the days leading up to the big event.

Before you dive into all the ideas, check out to see if the total eclipse will be visible in the skies above your community.

A few educational eclipse apps

1. Live stream! Available on the .
2. Eclipse companion: is a “solar eclipse companion” featuring interactive maps, safety tips and access to books and other educational resources.
3. Got pics? The aims to help viewers take photos of the eclipse
4. Forecast and foresight: offers cloud forecasts and an up-to-minute guide on when to put on and remove eclipse glasses, among other features.

Eclipse learning activities

1. Middle school smarts: PBS has done all the work on a ready-to-go for grades 6-8.
2. Don’t forget the moon! The American Astronomical Society has , including building pinhole viewers and exploring the moon.
3. UV bead experiment: A wide range of NASA activities—including a “UV bead experiment” and eclipse models—have been collected by Arizona State University.
4. Measuring shadows: Exploring cultural beliefs about eclipses, pinhole viewer art and shadow analysis are among .
5. : A magnifying glass can concentrate the sun’s energy on a tiny spot of an inflated balloon. During the eclipse, kids will notice the sun’s energy diminishing as the temperature drops slightly (from Scholastic).
6. : Have children collect leaves, flowers and other natural items with interesting shapes. Place these items on construction paper left out in the sun. Cover with clear plastic (also from Scholastic).
7. Fresh concepts: The American Astronomical Society has published and on how teachers can prepare for the eclipse.
8. Poetry in motion: The University of Southern Indiana has for elementary to high school. Students can analyze Emily Dickinson’s 1891 eclipse poem, “” or estimate the speed of the lunar shadow.
9. Webinar wisdom: The National Science Teaching Association has posted to help educators make the most of the solar eclipse.
10. Arts and astronomy: Here are from the Exploratorium in San Francisco.
11. Eclipse investigations: Vernier Science Education shared ““
12. Eclipse experiments: is sharing ideas for activities and experiments along with animations and lists of viewing equipment.
13. Eclipse engineering: Learn to design (from LEGO Edcuation).
14. Motion and light: Four “mini missions” guide kids in building (also from LEGO Edcuation).
15. More free stuff! has a list of .

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