Total Solar Eclipse
We are counting down to the total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024 with fun events and resources for families and educators!
Eclipse Social Story
We understand that for individuals with autism or those in the neurodivergent community as well as their families, the eclipse may bring disruption and anxiety. Therefore, our staff created a social story to help prepare them for April 8th.
This project is supported by the Simons Foundation’s “In the Path of Totality” initiative.
Social Story by: Sam Currier and Rachel Stuckey
Illustrations by: Keesha Motley and Rachel Stuckey
Special thanks: Cayla Maston
We have included a QR code that directs to the social story for your to display.
Help us determine if we need to incorporate social stories into more events by completing this survey.
Discover the eclipse with us!
Eclipse Events and Programming
Weekend of the Eclipse
We’re excited to offer extended hours to celebrate the long eclipse weekend:
Saturday, April 6th: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday, April 7th: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Monday, April 8th: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Enjoy educational programming and pregame the eclipse (happy hour) from 4 to 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday with our friends from Lost Forty Brewing! We will sell Moon Pies and Sunny D as family-friendly options as well.
Pre-Eclipse Programming
PPG STEAM Studio: We are hosting rotating eclipse-related activities in our PPG STEAM Studio including an eclipse and moon phase matching game (early learners), DIY pinhole viewers, shadow play, a commemorative eclipse rubbing activity and lunar camp builds.
Wiggle Worms: This program for families with children 6 and younger introduces them to STEAM concepts. It begins with story time and concludes with a hands-on activity. Wiggle Worms will be held multiple times eclipse week: April 2, 4, 6, 7, 8- “Eclipse Creature Feature”
Hands-on Programming and Demonstrations: We will be offering a variety of eclipse and space-themed activities daily for guests from rocket propulsion to the necessity of eclipse glasses. They will consist of:
Comparing lenses for eye protection with a series of small handheld windows to see how they affect incoming light. We will also be using models to demonstrate the shadow that will be cast by the Moon onto the Earth, representing how unique it is to be in the path of totality.
Studying the push and pull of planetary science by exploring magnetism and the physics of gravity. Guests will also be able to make and take home straw rockets to learn about real rocket science, engineering, and trajectory.
Exploring propulsion, combustion, and Newton’s third law of motion by demonstrating a “Whoosh Bottle.” “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction along the same straight line.” Fuel, heat, and oxygen combine to create an explosive reaction, launching our very own mini spaceship sky-high. Once the fuel has been consumed, we see that what goes up, must come down!
Educator Eclipse Workshop
We presented five free educator workshops to help teachers, librarians, homeschool educators, etc. deliver engaging programming, built around the eclipse, to their students. We are happy to share the workshop, presentation and activities with educators!
Early Childhood Digital Story: Animals & the Eclipse
If you utilize any of our educational resources, please provide your feedback in this survey.
Animals and the Eclipse (Early Childhood Digital Story)
Museum Animal Care Manager Nichole Ashley created this digital story to explain to young learners why the eclipse happens and how it may temporarily impact animal behavior.
Eclipse Safety
Eclipse Viewing Dos:
- Wear approved Model ISO 12312-2 glasses when looking at the solar eclipse. Even with glasses, do not look at the eclipse for more than three minutes at a time. Take short breaks by looking ahead or at the ground.
- Apply sunscreen before going outside to view the eclipse.
- Ensure eclipse glasses fit and are wearable several days before the eclipse. If the glasses are too big, make an alternate holder for a better fit.
- For young children, hold an umbrella over their heads to ensure they are not watching the eclipse without proper protection.
- Remove glasses when the Moon is completely covering the Sun; it will occur for about 2½ minutes (depending on location) – don’t miss it!
- Put eclipse glasses back on when the Sun is no longer completely covered.
Eclipse Viewing Do Nots:
- Wear ordinary sunglasses or homemade filters when viewing the eclipse.
- Use a camera or telescope to document the eclipse without talking to an expert first.
- Stare directly at the Sun with no eye protection.
