Engaging solar eclipse activities for preschoolers include creating shoebox viewers, making shadow puppets, baking eclipse-themed cookies, crafting mobiles, and conducting flashlight experiments. These hands-on projects allow children to explore science and space concepts safely while witnessing a rare natural phenomenon.
Solar eclipses occur approximately two to five times per year. Here is how to use this natural event to teach preschoolers more about science and space.
What is a solar eclipse?
A solar eclipse happens when the moon moves between the Earth and the sun, temporarily blocking the sun's light and casting a shadow on Earth. To a young child, you can explain it simply: the moon is passing in front of the sun, like a giant shadow puppet, or giving the sun a brief "hug."
When is the next solar eclipse?
Eclipses are rare treats, yet they happen often enough that we can share this marvel without waiting for years between showings.
On August 12, 2026, a total solar eclipse will be visible across parts of the Arctic, Greenland, Iceland, and Spain. A partial eclipse will be visible in other parts of Europe, North Africa, and North America. This natural spectacle offers a wonderful opportunity to witness the beauty of celestial events and spark curiosity in both children and adults.
How to teach preschoolers about solar eclipses
Preschoolers are at the perfect age to begin understanding basic concepts of astronomy. Their natural curiosity makes concepts like solar eclipses both accessible and thrilling. Here are some approachable strategies:
Go visual
Start with the basic concept of the sun shining, and then introduce the moon as the sun's "best night-time friend." Use drawings or illustrations of solar eclipses to show what happens when these two friends cross paths. Visual aids minimize abstraction and help children visualize the event.
Simplify the science
Don't shy away from using scientific terms with your preschoolers, but ensure your explanation remains simple. Phrases like "the moon moves in front of the sun just like a big shadow puppet" help create a visual link to the event.
Engage their senses
Preschoolers learn by doing. Create experiences that involve touch, smell, and movement to solidify abstract concepts. Bring out the play dough to shape the sun, moon, and Earth, or make a moon sand sensory bin. These tactile experiences lend a tangible quality to a celestial event that is otherwise beyond reach.
Link it to everyday experiences
Draw connections to daily life whenever possible. Show how their shadow on the ground changes when the "sun is playing peek-a-boo," and explain that the eclipse is like a giant shadow.
Tell stories
Preschoolers love stories. Narratives about the sun, moon, and stars that build toward an eclipse can make the event relatable and meaningful. Read the book Total Solar Eclipse: A Stellar Friendship Story during your next circle time.
If you use a childcare app like brightwheel, you can easily share solar eclipse lesson plans, photos, and videos of activities with families to bring them closer to their child's learning.
Daily Lesson Plan Template
Use this template to develop effective lesson plans for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.
5 creative preschool solar eclipse activities
These hands-on projects spark curiosity and learning in a fun, interactive way.
1. Build a solar eclipse viewer from a shoebox
Constructing a solar eclipse viewer from a shoebox offers an engaging and safe way for preschoolers to witness an eclipse. This project transforms a simple shoebox into a tool that safely projects the image of a solar eclipse, allowing children to observe without looking directly at the sun. This activity provides a hands-on learning experience and emphasizes the importance of eye safety.
How to make it:
- Start with an empty shoebox and cut a small rectangular hole on one of the short sides.
- Opposite the hole, tape a piece of white paper inside the box as a screen for viewing.
- Cut a second hole on the side of the box for the children to look through.
- Over the first hole, tape a piece of aluminum foil and poke a small, smooth pinhole in the center.
- During the eclipse, have the children stand with their backs to the sun and watch as the eclipse's image projects onto the white screen inside the box.
2. Play with shadow puppets
Shadow puppetry illustrates the concept of a solar eclipse beautifully. Use a lamp as a substitute for the sun and create cut-out shapes of the moon and various figures. Move the moon in front of the light to cast different shadows on the wall and explain how this mimics a solar eclipse.
Instructions for shadow puppets:
- Cut out moon, sun, and Earth shapes from cardboard.
- Tape or glue these to sticks or straws to create puppets.
- Position the light source (the "sun") behind the puppeteer and watch the shadows "eclipse."
3. Make edible astronomy
Celebrate the celestial event with an "eclipse snack." Prepare cookies with a frosting design that mimics the striking image of a solar eclipse. As your preschoolers decorate their treats, discuss the shapes and actions of the cookies in relation to the real phenomenon.
How to make eclipse-inspired cookies:
- Prepare sugar or shortbread cookies.
- Use chocolate, Nutella, or another spread to create a large circle on the cookie as the "sun."
- On top of the spread, use white or yellow icing to create the "corona" of the eclipse.
- Create the moon's outline using Oreo cookie halves and place it over the spread on the cookie.
4. Create a solar eclipse mobile
Engage children's artistic sensibilities with a project to create their own solar eclipse mobiles. This craft visually represents the spatial relationships that create a solar eclipse and decorates the classroom with reminders of this spectacular event.
How to make solar eclipse mobiles:
- Provide circles of various sizes cut from black and yellow construction paper to represent the sun, moon, and Earth.
- Encourage children to decorate the sun with yellow and orange streamers or glitter to mimic the solar corona.
- Use string to hang the "sun," "moon," and "Earth" from a coat hanger, arranging them to show the alignment during a solar eclipse.
- Add additional decorations like stars or planets to create a captivating mobile.
5. Conduct an eclipse science experiment
Conduct a simple science experiment using a flashlight to represent the sun and a large ball (representing the moon) to demonstrate the moon passing in front of the sun. With a darkened room and the right items, preschoolers can witness their own mini solar eclipse.
Science experiment plan:
- Dim the lights or conduct the experiment in a darkened room to create an immersive experience.
- Place the flashlight on a table to serve as the sun and turn it on.
- Hold the large ball (the "moon") between the flashlight and a wall a few feet away to project the "eclipse."
Frequently asked questions
How do you explain a solar eclipse to a child?
You can explain a solar eclipse to a child by telling them the moon is passing in front of the sun and blocking its light for a short time. Describing it as a "shadow puppet show" in space or the moon giving the sun a "hug" helps make the concept relatable.
Is it safe for preschoolers to look at a solar eclipse?
No, children should never look directly at the sun during a solar eclipse without proper eye protection, as it can cause permanent eye damage. Use indirect viewing methods like a shoebox viewer or certified eclipse glasses to observe the event safely.
Why are solar eclipse activities good for preschoolers?
Solar eclipse activities introduce young children to complex science concepts like astronomy, shadows, and planetary movement in a tangible, age-appropriate way. These activities also encourage observation skills and curiosity about the natural world.
Conclusion
Studying solar eclipses with preschoolers shows how early education can have a big impact. By playing, being creative, and giving simple explanations, you instill a lifelong love of learning about the universe. While young children may not fully understand the cosmic importance of a solar eclipse, these activities spark their curiosity and kickstart their science journey.
