Solar Eclipse 2017

What is a Solar Eclipse?

In Los Angeles, we will see a partial eclipse.  In other parts of America it will be a total eclipse!

This image from NASA shows the path of the total eclipse across North America.  To learn more go to NASA at https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/eclipse_full_map.pdf

I just love this beautiful design!  

If you and your parents bought special glasses, please fill out the permission slip sent home on Friday in your homework folder.  Bring the permission slip and the glasses to school on Monday.

We will be watching a live feed of the solar eclipse in the classroom on NASA TV:  https://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/#public

And finally, these are the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) covered in our Solar Eclipse lessons:

Here are some ideas and connections for the phenomena of a solar eclipse and select NGSS Performance Expectations:

• K-PS3-1: Make observations to determine the effect of sunlight on Earth’s surface
• The cooling that happens as the Sun is covered by the Moon is dramatic, and because it comes and goes within minutes, it is a chance to experience how much the “Sun warms the Earth”.
• K-PS3-2: Use tools and materials to design and build a structure that will reduce the warming effect of sunlight on an area.
• While you are out there waiting for the eclipse to happen, you could be designing and building “shade” and making shadows!
• 1-PS4-2: Make observations to construct an evidence-based account that objects in darkness can be seen only when illuminated.
• The Sun makes a great light source for a pinhole camera projector (see image below).
• 1-ESS1-1: Use observations of the sun, moon, and stars to describe patterns that can be predicted.
• MS-ESS1-1: Develop and use a model of the Earth-sun-moon system to describe the cyclic patterns of lunar phases, eclipses of the sun and moon, and seasons.

HS-ESS1-1: Develop a model based on evidence to illustrate the life span of the sun and the role of nuclear fusion in the sun’s core to release energy that eventually reaches Earth in the form of radiation.

Note to Parents

A Special Note from the First Grade Team

Science, Technology, Art, Reading, Writing, and Math are an important part of our classrooms.  Our biggest passion in education is fostering a love of learning through an interdisciplinary approach to develop reading in our students.  We love plants and animals and the garden outside our classroom is an incubator for many of the experiments we do.   

To learn more about The First Grade Team please take a look at the blog archive.  It's a great gallery of pictures of what we have done in prior years.  We look forward to working with each of our students and families as we gear up for an amazing year of learning with our first graders.