Meteorologists are calling Monday’s solar eclipse “the greatest solar eclipse across the U.S. in our lifetime.” And although the Chicago area does not reside in the path of totality – head to southern Illinois if you want complete darkness – residents in the Fox Valley can expect up to 94% coverage of the sun.
Which makes this solar event a big deal indeed, and that’s why local schools have had their eyes on the sky for quite some time now.
For example, a month ago the Yorkville Educational Foundation, a nonprofit fundraising arm for School District 115, purchased 8,000 safety-certified eclipse glasses for all K-12 students and staff to use on Monday so everyone will be able to take part in this unique moment.
“We wanted to make sure no one was left out,” says Yorkville Educational Foundation President Leslie Smogor. “We want all students to be able to look back and remember this opportunity … We are so excited about it.”
As are officials with Indian Prairie School District 204, where all 22 elementary and seven middle schools will be participating in a district “watch party,” as will science classes at the three high schools.
In western Kane County, Kaneland parents were notified that teachers and principals will use their professional judgment in determining the level of participation, but that only those with signed permission slips will be able to view the eclipse with the safety glasses provided by the district.
Likewise, West Aurora School District 129 is asking for permission from parents, but hopes to turn this rare astronomical phenomenon into a unique opportunity to learn about astronomy, space and the science behind eclipses, says district spokesperson Anna Gonzalez.
All sixth-graders, who are studying a relevant unit, will be given eyewear to view the eclipse, she said, as will those at the high school who are in science classes held during the eclipse peak, which is 2:07 p.m. Plus, viewing glasses will be available at dismissal time on a first-come, first-serve basis.
West Aurora also sent a memo to parents about how they can make this event a family affair, such as decorating eclipse glasses and reaching out to STEM teachers with any questions.
All districts are stressing safety first. Oswego School District 308 is live streaming the event for younger grades but excused absences will be given if parents want their children to view the event live with them, said Director of Communications Theresa Komitas, also noting high school dismissal is at 2:20 p.m. as the eclipse impact begins to recede.
As educators, district officials understand this once-in-a-lifetime experience must involve far more than a few moments staring into the heavens. That’s why the eclipse, which begins at 12:50 p.m. and ends at 3:21 p.m., is being treated as a “perfect afternoon of science,” said East Aurora Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum Lisa Dallacqua.
Students in East Aurora School District 131 learned more about the upcoming solar eclipse through a variety of hands-on activities in the week leading up to Monday’s event. (East Aurora School District 131)
“We did not want our kids to just put glasses on and go outside, then come back in and go about our normal day,” she added. “We’ve been doing a lot of advance research to turn this unique and unusual event into a live science opportunity” that will help students learn skills like collecting data and making observations.
Prep work not only included ordering viewing glasses for the majority of buildings but tapping into community resources, as well as the National Science Teachers Association, National Environmental Education Foundation and NASA to help come up with age-appropriate lessons.
Students in Catherine Witzke’s fourth-grade class at Beaupre Elementary School in Aurora use cardboard tubes recently to make pinhole projectors for eclipse viewing. (East Aurora School District 131)
Research shows what a role science plays in activating the imaginations of young children, and that, in turn, “will increase their learning,” said Dallacqua, who reported students “having a blast” as they learned more about the eclipse through text-based lessons, interactive activities and hands-on projects, such as pinhole projectors made from cardboard tubes.
Organizations other than school districts, by the way, are also offering educational experiences. For example, Batavia Public Library will hold a viewing party in its Reading Garden from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Monday, with materials available so families can learn about this solar event and watch it in their homes or at the library. And the Wilds at Red Oak Nature Center in North Aurora is hosting a viewing party – featuring eclipse-themed activities, treat bags and viewing glasses for those who register – from noon to 3 p.m. Monday.
“You will have to rewire your brain and tell it that this stint of shade and darkness is taking longer than a cloud,” suggested Facility Manager Renee Oakley on the Fox Valley Park District website. “It’s a bit unsettling because you’re aware that the world is different.”
Which makes this rare event a once-in-a-lifetime teaching opportunity.
“There is nothing like walking into a school and 500 little kids want to show you their solar projects,” East Aurora’s Dallacqua told me on Friday.
“The buzz in our building is palpable,” she continued. “The students are thrilled this is happening. And that starts with adults making a big deal out of it.”
dcrosby@tribpub.com
