(NewsNation) — Teachers across America are utilizing Monday’s total solar eclipse as a unique way to educate their students.
Monday marks the last opportunity to view a total solar eclipse from the continental U.S. for 20 years. Additionally, it presents a “great opportunity” for Monique Christensen’s high school science students, who are in the path of totality.
“Our kids haven’t experienced something like this,” Christensen, who teaches in a rural area of Indiana, said Monday on “Morning in America.” “Our town hasn’t experienced a total solar eclipse in 155 years, and we won’t have another one for 129. It’s an amazing opportunity for them to go out and actually experience firsthand, the most awe-inspiring, natural phenomenon that they can really experience.”
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth, partially or completely blocking the sun from view. On Monday, in some key areas, the sky will be dark as if it were dawn or dusk, according to NASA.
The weather could be dicey for those in the path of totality, as clouds are forecast for much of the eclipse route through the U.S. with some possible patches of clear skies in some spots.
Murray Stafford, a high school science teacher and pastor, teaches several subjects, including earth science, in a rural Ohio area. In class, students explore astronomy and meteorology, and the eclipse serves as an opportunity to bring it all together, he told NewsNation.
“This is a perfect opportunity to bring all that together, especially with the weather being such a big part of this,” he said. “Leading up to this, I use it as a time to do daily weather forecasts, showing what it’s going to be like for the eclipse.”
He added: “I also teach physics. So, we’ve gotten into a lot of the physics of the orbital velocity of the moon and those sorts of things. It’s been a really good opportunity; the students are excited about it.”
Meanwhile, Lacey Neskes said she’s planned “hands-on” activities for her Florida kindergarten students.
“We’re going to do a cute coloring book first to learn all about it in its most basic form. I even have a solar eclipse-themed snack for them,” Neskes told NewsNation. “We’re even going to make a little keepsake to capture the moment of how old they were and where they were when this special event happened.”
States and cities are preparing for an influx of people visiting the path of totality, and that fascination is nothing new. Eclipses show up in historical records and mythology dating back millennia.
Before and after the eclipse, eclipse glasses should be worn to avoid eye damage. Experts warn staring at the sun during the eclipse without protective eye care can put people at risk for permanent eye damage.