As we look forward to the solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, our school has a unique educational opportunity. This event will be a partial eclipse in Goshen, NY, with 93% of the sun obscured. It starts at 2:10 p.m., peaks at 3:25 p.m., and ends at 4:36 p.m. Despite a 64% average cloud cover, we hope for clear skies.
We strongly encourage all teachers to utilize the resources provided by the New York State Education Department, which include educational videos and activities focusing on the eclipse and the critical importance of eye safety. These resources are designed to be integrated across various subjects, offering a multidisciplinary approach to learning about the natural world.
Please explore creative and budget-friendly methods to ensure all students can safely experience this eclipse, such as making pinhole projectors. This event coincides with dismissal time, so it is crucial to communicate safety precautions effectively, ensuring students understand the importance of protecting their eyes, especially those who may be on buses during the eclipse.
We encourage grade-level teams to collaborate on methods and communications to be sent home. We will work with grade chairs to send information via the school newsletter as well.
New York State Total Solar Eclipse
A solar eclipse will be visible in New York State on the afternoon of April 8, 2024. New York will be one of eleven contiguous U.S. states situated within the path of totality for the total solar eclipse. Several regions of the state will be in the direct path of totality.
View NYS Total Solar Eclipse curriculum and resources.
2024 Solar Eclipse in New York | Kid-Friendly Activities
C.J. Hooker Middle School
C.J. Hooker Middle School students will be incorporating information about solar eclipses in their classes, with activities that may include:
- Photographs of previous solar eclipses
- Demonstrations of Sun, Earth and moon models
- Safe viewing tips with information about solar glasses, telescopes with solar attachments and pinhole projectors
- NASA activities
- BrainPOP activities
- Eclipse/solar system drawings to correct scale using sidewalk chalk in front of the school
- Solar eclipse math problems
NOTE: During 9th period, Mike LaMonica will be in front of the school with a telescope and solar filter attachment. Interested students, faculty & staff can observe the eclipse through the telescope and take pictures with their phones through the telescope.