We would like to thank everyone who has called or emailed regarding the upcoming eclipse on August 21st. This is such a special time in science and history! We believe that it is a great learning opportunity for students. We also know that improper viewing of the eclipse poses potential health risks for students. Thank you for your patience and flexibility as the school district and site principals worked together on the following guidelines to teach students about this natural event safely.
Guidelines:
Teachers may choose to teach the eclipse using approved glasses (which MUST contain the “Meets the Requirement for ISO 12312-2 label on arms of the glasses) –NASA Approved Glasses
Teachers may choose to teach the eclipse using a live stream from NASA Nasa Live Stream or another live streaming channel.
Teachers may choose to use the indirect viewing method by creating shadows with paper. In this method, all students have their backs to the sun and view the shadow of the eclipse on a paper. There are many examples, but here’s one: How to make eclipse projection box
Some Do’s and Don’ts:
Recess schedules at the elementary school will be adjusted so that it is not during the eclipse.
Teachers and principals must ensure that no student looks directly at the eclipse without the required eye protection.
Teachers/classes that take students out to view may do so for a short period of time, not the entire event, and must have NASA approved glasses or eclipse projection box.
Teachers must remind students as they pass from class to class or go to the restroom to be extremely careful not to look at the eclipse.
Regular sunglasses, goggles, etc. are NOT approved for viewing.
Principals must verify that the glasses that classes use are the approved version.
Principals are strongly encouraged to be outside with classes that intend to safely view the eclipse.
Parents may choose to sign students out of school for viewing at home.
Attached is a document illustrating the approved viewing glasses.NASA Approved Glasses
Other related links you may be interested in:
https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/faq
https://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEhelp/safety2.html
NASA Teacher Toolkit
https://www.nasa.gov/eclipselive