Solar Eclipse Offers Unique Learning Experience

After much excited anticipation, our students had the opportunity to view Monday’s solar eclipse in action! Leading up to the big day, students learned the science behind the celestial phenomenon and built their own solar eclipse viewing boxes and chalk art pieces. Students explored questions such as: what is a total solar eclipse? How does it occur, and why is it such a rare occurrence? Students examined its implications for our planet and discussed the potential challenges and proactive measures to address them. 

Dr. Josh Klein, University of Pennsylvania professor of physics and astronomy and Perelman parent, spoke to students in several grades about the upcoming solar eclipse. During this interactive lesson, he helped the students visualize the position of the earth, sun, and moon during this phenomenon by using three different sized coins. Looking at images, students also gained a better understanding of how the moon’s positioning in relation to the sun and the earth can affect the way the moon looks and its different phases. The eclipse was even integrated into the students’ Hebrew and Jewish Studies classes! 

On the day of, students used their special solar eclipse glasses to take a look at the sun and moon, which lent itself to be a memorable learning experience!

For more photos, please visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/PerelmanJewishDaySchool or our Instagram https://www.instagram.com/perelmanjewishdayschool/. Follow along for more events, updates, and behind the scenes!