Total Solar Eclipse 2024 Community of Practice

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  • 1.  NDGTS 2017 Solar Eclipse Activities

    Posted 09-12-2023 11:38

    We had a watch party in the front yard of our science center.

    Using a hole punch and paper, we made an eclipse sign and took photos of its shadow during the eclipse. This time I would like to have guests try this while they are waiting for the eclipse. I would encourage them to spell out their names or create a design and take photos of the resulting shadows. 

    Eclipse celebration sign

    We also had telescopes on hand that were tacking the Sun's path and we had protective covers that allowed guests to watch the eclipse safely while not looking at the Sun. We also provided eclipse glasses.

    sun tracking with cover
    Protective Cover
      

         



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    [Kimberly] [Eslinger]
    [Exhibits and Gallery Director]
    [Gateway to Science]
    [Bismarck] [ND]
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  • 2.  RE: NDGTS 2017 Solar Eclipse Activities

    Posted 09-13-2023 09:15

    That's a great watch party! I found a few suggestions (not science center or museum specific) on arkansas.com:

    1. make a sundial
      • Sun dials can be as easy as a paper plate and a straw with crayons to write the numbers and decorate it. 
      • If you're somewhere with concrete, let kids create chalk art of what they see. 
      • Buy glow in the dark party favors for fun in the dark.
    2. have a backup plan in case it's cloudy
    3. make an eclipse playlist (assuming you have speakers to set up)

    Did anyone else do other things at watch parties in 2017? Or are you planning to do something else this time around?



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    Shannon Sullivan
    Senior Manager of Programs
    ASTC
    Washington DC
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: NDGTS 2017 Solar Eclipse Activities

    Posted 3 days ago
    Edited by Maria Glen 5 hours ago

    That sounds like such a fun and creative way to celebrate the eclipse, especially the idea of letting guests spell out their names and photograph the shadows it makes the experience really personal. I'm curious, did you notice any difference in shadow sharpness or clarity depending on the size or thickness of the letters people punched out? kind of like how small details can shape the overall experience when booking something online, whether it’s event tickets or even arranging an umrah taxi online where clarity and simplicity make everything smoother. Also, how did you manage crowd flow between the telescope viewing and the shadow activity  did one tend to attract more people than the other? Would love to hear what worked best so we can try something similar at our next event!



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    Maria Glen
    Title
    Maria Glenn
    San Ysidro CA
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    Original Message