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
Reading & Literacy Webinar
Unlocking Success for Struggling Adolescent Readers
The Science of Reading transformed K-3 literacy. Now it's time to extend that focus to students in grades 6 through 12.
Content provided by STARI
Jobs Virtual Career Fair for Teachers and K-12 Staff
Find teaching jobs and K-12 education jubs at the EdWeek Top School Jobs virtual career fair.
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
College & Workforce Readiness Webinar
Climb: A New Framework for Career Readiness in the Age of AI
Discover practical strategies to redefine career readiness in K–12 and move beyond credentials to develop true capability and character.
Content provided by Pearson

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 The Grades Where Science Scores Have Taken the Biggest Hit
One of the first studies to examine science performance finds that elementary students' scores have rebounded. Not so in middle school.
4 min read
An illustration of a non person of color climbing a large pencil with a safety harness and rope tied around the tip of the pencil while a person of color is in the distance without a safety harness or rope attempting to climb a very large science beaker.
Collage by Gina Tomko/Education Week + Canva
Science Spotlight Spotlight on STEM in Education
This Spotlight will help you learn how to bolster the STEM teacher pipeline, discover how hands-on learning increases engagement, and more.
Science From Our Research Center Educators: Start Early to Keep Students Engaged in STEM
The EdWeek Research Center asked teachers, principals, and district leaders how to motivate kids to pursue STEM learning.
2 min read
Photo illustration of chemistry teacher working with young student.
F. Sheehan for Education Week + E+ / Getty
Science Download DIY Ideas for Safe Eclipse Viewing (Downloadable)
Here's a guide to safe, do-it-yourself ways to view next month's total eclipse, in or out of school.
1 min read
Image of a colander casting a shadow on a white paper as one way to view the eclipse using a household item.
iStock/Getty and Canva