Science Photos

Photos: The Solar Eclipse Is the Ultimate Science Lesson

By Elizabeth Heubeck — April 08, 2024 1 min read
Yurem Rodriquez watches as the moon partially covers the sun during a total solar eclipse, as seen from Eagle Pass, Texas, on April 8, 2024.
  • Save to favorites
  • Print

After days of weather watching, weeks and even months of scouting for solar eclipse-safe glasses, and prepping classes for this natural celestial event that occurs in the same place on the planet only about once every 366 years, it happened.

Countless students across the country experienced the wonder of the total solar eclipse, as the moon slid in front of the sun’s surface and completely blocked it. Eeriness presided over the brief but intense event, ushered in by a strange calming of breezes, followed by an even stranger midday darkness, and lasting less than 5 minutes. Educators, of course, hope the excitement generated by witnessing this once-in-a-lifetime scientific phenomenon will stick with their students for years to come.

Judging by the following images, curated from school and district social media accounts across the country, there’s a pretty strong chance they will. Check them out!

The moon partially covers the sun during a total solar eclipse, as seen from Eagle Pass, Texas, on April 8, 2024.

People watch as the moon partially covers the sun during a total solar eclipse, as seen from Eagle Pass, Texas, on April 8, 2024.
A research balloon is prepared for launch at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, on April 8, 2024 to study the total eclipse. NearSpace Education launched two high-altitude research balloons carrying cameras, instruments, and experiments designed by blind and visually impaired students.

People watch a total solar eclipse as the sky goes dark in Mazatlan, Mexico, on April 8, 2024.

Students and parents at Becker Elementary School in Austin, Texas, view the solar eclipse on April 8, 2024.
Sasha Mahler, 8, of Munster, Ind., has her face painted with a sun during a total eclipse viewing event at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, on April 8, 2024.
From Buffalo, N.Y., (left and center) to Annandale, Va., (right) people of all ages watch the solar eclipse on April 8, 2024.
Dan Sharp of Preston, Idaho, drops a pin on a map showing where he is from, at an eclipse watch event in Paris, Texas, on April 8, 2024.
People watch with solar glasses as the moon starts to cross in front of the sun during a total solar eclipse Monday, April 8, 2024, in Carbondale, Ill.
Jordan Elliott smiles as she watches with solar glasses as the moon starts to cross in front of the sun during a total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, in Carbondale, Ill.

Events

This content is provided by our sponsor. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of Education Week's editorial staff.
Sponsor
Special Education Webinar
Bridging the Math Gap: What’s New in Dyscalculia Identification, Instruction & State Action
Discover the latest dyscalculia research insights, state-level policy trends, and classroom strategies to make math more accessible for all.
Content provided by TouchMath
This content is provided by our sponsor. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of Education Week's editorial staff.
Sponsor
School Climate & Safety Webinar
Belonging as a Leadership Strategy for Today’s Schools
Belonging isn’t a slogan—it’s a leadership strategy. Learn what research shows actually works to improve attendance, culture, and learning.
Content provided by Harmony Academy
This content is provided by our sponsor. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of Education Week's editorial staff.
Sponsor
School & District Management Webinar
Too Many Initiatives, Not Enough Alignment: A Change Management Playbook for Leaders
Learn how leadership teams can increase alignment and evaluate every program, practice, and purchase against a clear strategic plan.
Content provided by Otus

EdWeek Top School Jobs

Teacher Jobs
Search over ten thousand teaching jobs nationwide — elementary, middle, high school and more.
View Jobs
Principal Jobs
Find hundreds of jobs for principals, assistant principals, and other school leadership roles.
View Jobs
Administrator Jobs
Over a thousand district-level jobs: superintendents, directors, more.
View Jobs
Support Staff Jobs
Search thousands of jobs, from paraprofessionals to counselors and more.
View Jobs

Read Next

Science Opinion 6 Practical Tips for Planning a Family STEM Night at Your School
Informal science events are a great way to engage students (and parents). Here’s where to start.
Stefanie Macaluso
3 min read
Photo collage illustration of science activities such as tinkering with electronics and tower building.
Vanessa Solis/Education Week via Canva
Science Q&A How to Get More Students Into Computer Science Classes in the Age of AI
The percentage of schools offering computer science classes has plateaued, a Code.org report found.
5 min read
Stephanie Perez, 9, right, and Jaylin Garcia Mejia, 9, center, watch an introductory lesson on A.I. during Funda Perez’ 4th grade computer applications class at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., School No. 6 in Passaic, N.J., on Oct. 14, 2025.
Fourth graders participate in an introductory lesson on artificial intelligence during a computer applications class at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., School No. 6 in Passaic, N.J., on Oct. 14, 2025. Some experts suggest schools should use computer science classes to teach AI skills.
Erica S. Lee for Education Week
Science Opinion Strategies to Help Students Embrace Science Instruction
Knowing how to redirect science denial in your classroom is a strong way to start.
9 min read
Conceptual illustration of classroom conversations and fragmented education elements coming together to form a cohesive picture of a book of classroom knowledge.
Sonia Pulido for Education Week
This content is provided by our sponsor. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of Education Week's editorial staff.
Sponsor
Science Quiz
Quiz Yourself: Evaluating Effective Science Instruction in Your District
Answer 7 questions about evaluating effective science instruction in your district.