eclipse

How to Throw an Eclipse Party for your School

Have you heard about the total eclipse that’ll be happening on August 21, 2017?  What a fun a unique opportunity for PTOs to sponsor a fun and educational event!

First, you’ll need to call your building principal and get them on the same page as your plans.

Next, consult the information assembled by the NASA scientists for all that you need to know about the eclipse.  I highly recommend you full explore this site to get all of the information you’ll need to plan this event and then some.  They have done a super thorough job on the site, so I’m not going to repeat all of the information here!

But know that for this Eclipse Party, there’s so much more that you can do aside from going outside and looking at it!

NASA has compiled some educational information as well as a bunch of downloadable activities resources as well! Use the resources here to figure out what activities to do during the days leading up to the eclipse to make the most of this event.

If the activities can’t be worked into the regular class time, perhaps do the activities during recess or before or after school?

Of course, one of the main activities will be to see the eclipse.  And you’ll want to make sure everyone can view the eclipse in a safe way!

Sunglasses are NOT going to cut it and will lead to eye damage.  Don’t event think about it.  There are several options for safe eclipse viewing…

Option one: DIY a viewing box.  The Exploratorium has the details in this short video.

How to Make a Solar Eclipse & Sun Viewer I Exploratorium

If you have the time to make the viewing boxes, then this is a great option.  

Option 2: Eclipse viewing glasses!

Lucky for you, Amazon comes to the rescue with packs of viewing glasses!  You can make the event even more economical by bringing a few classes out at a time and avoid having to buy a pair of glasses for each and every student and staff members.

Option 3: Catch the Livestream!  Oh the technology available to us today is incredible and we should definitely be taking full advantage of everything out there for this event!  And there will be a replay option as well, so in case you’re not able to get outside to see the eclipse (Rain, conflicting schedules), you can watch it later.  Awesome

And now for some extra fun for this party… treats!

Want to add some fun themed treats into the mix, either for a straight up giveaway or a mini-fundraiser for some extra-planetary fun?

Moon pies, anyone?  I like that the classic treat is available in a mini size.  Party perfect!  Confession time: I don’t think I’ve ever had a Moon Pie.  In fact, I had to check out the description and discovered it’s a chocolate covered cookie! (#duh)  Regardless, Moon Pies are too funny to pass up for an eclipse party!

How about some smaller treats in the form of  Earth shaped chocolates?  Super cute!

These galaxy lollipops would be on-the-nose-fun.

Prefer more Earthly pops?

Cupcakes topped with these adorbs sprinkles would be pretty fun, don’t you think?

If you’re not a fan of sprinkles like me (I, know.  What is wrong with me?  But seriously people, they’re pretty to look at, but typically taste kinda yucky.) then maybe you’d prefer to top off your tiny treat with a cool pair of sunglasses?

Whatever you decide to do for the next Solar Eclipse, it’s sure to be memorable for the kids, so have fun with it!  Share below what you’re planning to do!


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