The Solar Science Kits were created by STARNet and distributed to libraries in anticipation of the Solar Eclipses of 2023 and 2024 (view the guide for public libraries).
“The STAR Library Network (STAR Net) is a hands-on learning network for libraries and their communities across the country. STAR Net focuses on helping library professionals build their STEM skills by providing “science-technology activities and resources” (STAR) and training to use those resources.”
About the two types of kit
STARNet has kindly provided the Colorado State Library with copies of their Solar Science Kits (two copies of two kits). The Multi-generational Programming Kits include a Coronado Personal Solar Telescope and mount, sunoculars, and accompanying literature.
The Younger Audience Kits include activities, sunoculars, accompanying literature and a Sunspotter: also known as “The Safer Solar Telescope.” According to Starlab, “This wooden, folded-path Keplerian telescope provides a much safer and convenient way to view the brilliant light of the sun than other more common methods. By using a series of mirrors, the device projects a bright 3.25-inch solar image onto a 5-inch white viewing screen through a powerful 62mm diameter objective lens.”
Resources
See the main SOLAR ECLIPSE ACTIVITIES FOR LIBRARIES page and view/print individual activities below.
English Language Activities
- Big Sun, Small Moon
- Sorting Game: How Big?, How Far?, How Hot?
- Exploring Earth – Bear’s Shadow – see files at bottom of the linked page
- Build Your Own Eclipse Viewer
- SEAL Activity collection on the STEM Activity Clearinghouse
- Measure the Sun’s Size
- Model the Sun and Earth
- Solar Flare Flip Book
- Color Your Own Aurora
- Shadow Tracing Quick Facilitation Guide
- Make a Protective Case for Your Solar-Viewing Glasses
Spanish Language Activities
- La sombra de Oso (Bear’s Shadow) – see Spanish files at bottom of the linked page
- Modelo del Sol y de la Tierra
- Mide el tamaño del Sol
- Sol grande, Luna pequeña
- Libro animado de llamaradas solares
- Colorea tu propia aurora
How To Webinars
- SEAL Virtual Training Series: Getting Started with SEAL Webinar
- SEAL FAQ Webinar hosted by STAR Net (Recorded Webinar on YouTube)
- SEAL Virtual Training Series: Sunspotter Telescope (YouTube)
- SEAL Virtual Training Series: Coronado Solar Telescope (Youtube)
Free Online Videos
- The Sun: Crash Course Astronomy #10
- What If the Sun Exploded Tomorrow?
- The Sun: Facts And History
- What Does the Inside of the Sun Look Like?
- Solar Eclipse 101 – National Geographic
- A Tour of NASA’s Solar Eclipse Map for 2023 & 2024
- 2023 Annular Eclipse – NASA Solar System Exploration
- What Is a Solar Eclipse? | NASA Space Place
- Sun 101 | National Geographic
Glossaries
Related Organizations
- Connect with a local astronomy club through NASA’s Night Sky Network
- NASA
- STARNet Library Network
- Space Science Institute
- American Astronomical Society
Toolkits and Other Resources
- SEAL Solar Eclipse Activities for Libraries
- Eclipse resources from NASA
- Getting started with SEAL? Find eclipse and Solar Eclipse Activities for Libraries resources here!
- Solar Eclipse Across America – American Astronomical Society
- SEAL Activity collection on the STEM Activity Clearinghouse
- Sky & Telescope
- Users Guide to the Coronado Personal Solar Telescope