STEAM coach Alyson Callahan joined Leilah Austin-Draitser’s fifth-grade class at PBE to talk about the solar eclipse. Students learned a lot of interesting facts about just what happens when a solar eclipse occurs  – the moon’s orbit brings it between the earth and the sun. The darkness we will experience is the moon’s shadow. Even though the sun is so much bigger than both the earth and the moon, distance allows the moon to totally block the sun’s light from reaching the earth. And there we have this solar eclipse! The students were able to model what will be occurring on Monday with flashlights and little cut-out moons and earths.

 

 

 

Ms. Callahan, in her unofficial NASA garb, also went over all of the safety measures having to do with watching an eclipse. The pupils in our eyes will be larger because of the darkness caused by the moon’s shadow, allowing in much light. The damaging UV rays of the sun can do harm to the retina, which is why special protective eyewear is needed. You can make your own – just google it – get some from your local library or buy them at local retailers or online. Just make sure you have them before looking at the eclipse.

 

Whatever the case, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in our area. The students are so excited about it – so are the adults!