As celestial enthusiasts around the world eagerly await the next solar eclipse, Houston area school districts are finding innovative ways to turn this rare solar event into a learning experience for students. Educators in our area are using special guest visits and unique viewing parties to spark children’s curiosity about science.
SEE ALSO: 8 cool ways to celebrate the solar eclipse in Houston
Aldine ISD: A NASA astronaut is visited four Aldine ISD campuses on April 3 to discuss the eclipse and share info with students about it.
The four schools were:
- Davis High School - 8-8:20 a.m.
- Spence Elementary School - 8:30-8:50 a.m.
- Plummer Middle School - 9-9:20 a.m.
- Griggs Primary - 10-10:20 a.m.
Channelview ISD: Channelview ISD recognizes that the eclipse is a unique opportunity for students to learn. In a communication to parents, the district emphasized the significance of the event and outlined plans for engaging student experiences. Parents are required to provide consent for their child’s participation, with alternative indoor activities available for those who opt out. All participating students will be provided with ISO-certified eyewear for safety during observation.
A visit to McMullan Elementary was part of Anthony’s Weather Lab, in which he spoke to students at Channelview ISD about the solar eclipse.
Clear Creek ISD: April 8th mark a student holiday and a staff instructional planning day, allowing educators to strategize for future learning activities.
Cleveland ISD: With the rare solar eclipse looming, Cleveland ISD makes a historic decision to close on April 8, recognizing it as a once-in-a-lifetime learning opportunity for students and staff to create lasting memories.
Crosby ISD: According to recent updates shared on social media, Crosby ISD has announced plans for a unique and educational event on April 8th. Each campus within the district will be equipped with safety viewers for students to safely observe an upcoming eclipse. To enhance the experience, free eclipse viewing parties will be hosted at every campus.
In ensuring the safety of students and staff, appropriate precautions will be implemented. At Crosby Kindergarten Center and Barrett Elementary School, students will engage in indoor activities and view a live stream of the eclipse while learning about its significance throughout the day.
Meanwhile, at Crosby Elementary School, classes will venture outdoors one at a time, equipped with suitable eye gear, to witness the eclipse firsthand. Similarly, Charles R. Drew Elementary School will facilitate indoor live stream viewing for 1st through 3rd grade students, while 4th and 5th graders will have the opportunity to observe the eclipse outdoors.
Newport Elementary School will organize rotations for groups of 50 students at a time, providing them with school-provided eyewear for safe viewing. As an added safety measure, elementary campuses will refrain from holding recess during the eclipse event.
For Crosby Middle School, science classes will have the chance to experience the eclipse outdoors.
Cypress-Fairbanks I.S.D. - CFISD does not have districtwide plans for the April 8 solar eclipse. Similarly to past eclipses, each school’s leadership team determines the instructional impact of the eclipse on the campus, adhering to appropriate safety standards, according to the district.
Humble ISD: Greentree Elementary School, part of Humble ISD, has organized a special event titled ‘Solar Eclipse with your Gator’ scheduled for April 8. The event aims to provide an opportunity for students and visitors to observe the total eclipse together. Grade levels are scheduled to venture outside around 1:30 p.m. to witness this celestial occurrence firsthand.
Katy ISD: Katy ISD schools are seizing the upcoming solar eclipse as an educational opportunity for their students. During a recent visit by KPRC’s Anthony Yanez to Bear Creek Elementary, discussions about the total solar eclipse and the sun’s influence on weather were held with enthusiastic third and fourth-grade students at Anthony’s Weather Lab.
Spring ISD: Spring ISD will be hosting a districtwide event at Beneke Elementary to allow students to witness the eclipse. Carolee Booker Elementary School will also plan a viewing opportunity to allow students to experience the rare event.
Stafford Municipal ISD: The director of STEM for Stafford Municipal School District, Dr. LaKenya Perry-Allen, expressed the district’s excitement about the eclipse. The district will allow all students to view the solar eclipse in person or by live streaming.
SEE ALSO: Unprecedented Research: Houston Zoo to study animal reactions to total solar eclipse
“We have started our Solar Eclipse Countdown! Our countdown consists of daily fun facts and safety tips that campus leaders will be sharing with our students and parents,” Perry-Allen said. “Also, our district’s Technology Coordinator, Stephanie Jernigan, is blasting our countdown to the entire community via our Twitter and Facebook pages.”
On the SMSD campuses, all students will participate in STEM Challenges to prepare for the solar eclipse.
“Students in grades 4 through 12, are creating pinhole cameras. On the other hand, our early childhood students through 3rd grade, are learning safety tips by creating solar glasses for their “Eclipse Kitty.” Eclipse Kitty wants to ensure the world is safe,” Perry-Allen said.
SMSD drone students have been provided safety goggles from NASA. Drone footage will be captured by these students during the Solar Eclipse.
SMSD Dr. Robert Bostic has provided resources and supplies to district and campus leadership teams. The Houston Museum of Natural Science has provided safety eyewear to many teachers, and DonorsChoose has provided funds to purchase safety glasses.
Perry-Allen explained they will not stop their curiosity quest on April 8.
“Students will participate in reflection activities that will include reporting findings from qualitative and quantitative approaches. For example, students will create timelines depicting the events prior and after the Solar Eclipse taking place.”
SEE ALSO: Why upcoming eclipse is such a rare event
KPRC2 reached out to each school district in the Houston area and will update this post as responses come in.