2024 Total Solar Eclipse: Streaming Video
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Solar Eclipse Animation (1:06)
Easy to understand animation explaining the basics of a solar eclipse including the terms umbra, penumbra, and the five phases. Initially created by the University of North Carolina for an eclipse that passed through their state in previous years, the video itself is general and does not reference any specific dates or events. The attached discussion questions may be too high level for 3 - 5 graders and would require additional teaching or content beyond this single video.
Solar Eclipses (1:52)
In this video segment adapted from NASA, learn how solar eclipses happen and why they are uncommon to witness. This video is available in both English and Spanish audio, along with corresponding closed captions. There is also a background reading and discussion questions for students.
Use the premade self-guided interactive lesson "Why Isn't There an Eclipse Every Month?" to teach about eclipses. Includes teaching tips, notes, an introduction, supporting documents, and Spanish language materials. The interactive lesson includes videos, readings, diagrams, and short answer questions. Note that this lesson references the past 2017 total solar eclipse, but the content is still relevant and does not present the 2017 eclipse as upcoming.
Total Solar Eclipse Animation (1:14)
In this animation adapted from NOVA, see why solar eclipses occur and observe a simulated total eclipse. This video is available in both English and Spanish audio, along with corresponding closed captions. Also includes a background reading essay and discussion questions.
Relative Sizes and Distances of the Sun and Moon (1:11)
Learn how relationships of size and distance among the Moon, the Sun, and Earth lead to a total solar eclipse in this video from NOVA. Includes materials for teachers like tips and background reading, as well as student materials like discussion questions, handouts, and Spanish translations.
Both videos are part of the Eclipse Over America series which includes "Predicting Eclipses" (3:15), "The Coronal Heating Problem" (5:31), and "Coronal Mass Ejections from the Sun" (3:57).
Physics Girl: What's the Difference Between a Solar and Lunar Eclipse? (4:29)
Learn about the key differences between solar and lunar eclipses, how to tell what phase the moon is in for either eclipse, and why lunar eclipses seem more common. End the video at 4:10 to cut out discussion of the 2017 solar eclipse.
Crash Course Astronomy: Eclipses (10:10)
Learn about the differences between solar and lunar eclipses. To just watch the parts on solar eclipses, stop the video at 6:44. Liked this episode? Watch another on the whole sun here.
Genius: Where Are We? (7:25)
Watch the hosts create scale models of the Earth, Moon, and sun, to simulate a solar eclipse and calculate the distances between the sun, moon, and Earth.
Solar Eclipse: Awesome Totality (1:09)
"Find out how Albert Einstein used the awesome totality phase of the 1919 solar eclipse to prove his theory of relativity, which predicts that large objects bend 'space-time' (the three dimensions of space, along with the fourth dimension of time) towards themselves."
Learn 360
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Safari Montage and Learn 360 both have high-quality full-length videos, and video clips in all subject areas including science. Video transcripts and related materials such as images, audio titles, articles, activities, and worksheets are available. Access Learn 360 videos directly through our Safari Montage platform for an all-inclusive search. Search by keyword or browse by topic, K-12. Videos include customizable interactive quizzes, in-depth viewing statistics, and teacher resources (activities, lessons, handouts). A quick search for the term Eclipse results in about one hundred returns. Limit the copyright date and grade level to more recent years and targeted ages to narrow results. Note that most programs can be viewed and shared as shorter segments/chapters. |
PreK - 2
What is an Eclipse? (I Wonder) (1:07)
Watch this brief animated video explaining solar eclipses.
Ready Jet Go! Total Eclipse of the SunSpot (14:02)
Watch the kids from Ready Jet Go! explain why the Sun grows dark during a solar eclipse.
3 - 5
Why is the Sun Disappearing? (3:51)
Learn about the differences between lunar at solar eclipses and what "syzygy" means. Stop the video at 5:36 unless you want to watch the full episode on microwaves, Death Valley, and more.
Eclipse Solar (3:38)
Learn about solar eclipses, the sun's corona, and totality in this Spanish language video. Perfect for Spanish speakers or Spanish language learners. (English version here.)
6 - 8
Solar Eclipse 101 (4:58)
This video from National Geographic discusses what happens during a solar eclipse and how to safely observe one.
Viewing a Solar Eclipse (4:08)
This video from California Academy of Sciences discusses how to safely observe a solar eclipse. Hosted on YouTube.
Eclipses (1:25)
This video from QA International describes solar and lunar eclipses. Solar eclipses may be total or annular, when the Moon moves between the Sun and the Earth. Lunar eclipses occur when the Earth moves between the Sun and the Moon.
9 - 12
Eclipse over America (53:16)
NOVA joins scientists and citizens alike as they observe the first total solar eclipse to traverse the United States mainland in over a generation. Discover the storied history of eclipse science and follow current, cutting-edge research into the solar corona.
The Secret Life of the Sun: Experiencing a Total Solar Eclipse (12:15)
We are in a golden age of solar science. This program explores the past, present and future of the Sun's importance to our world. This clip is one chapter of a longer video.
Why Solar Eclipses Create Those Crescent-Shaped Lights (4:15)
This video from SciShow Space discusses how the pinhole camera effect creates crescent-shaped lights on the ground during a solar eclipse, and why lights and shadows appear clearer and sharper during a solar eclipse. Hosted on YouTube.
Credit
Big thanks go out to Lisa Brigandi and the Monroe 2 BOCES School Library System, who designed this LibGuide and gave us permission to use it.