Are you ready for the astronomical event of the year? On March 8th, a spectacular solar eclipse will grace our skies. It’s a rare and magical moment when the moon passes between us and the sun, turning day into a twilight spectacle. If you’re planning a viewing party, I’ve got just the thing to rocket your celebration to the stars – our FREE Solar Eclipse Activity Placemat PDFs!
Get your little astronauts in training buzzing with excitement for this celestial showcase. These free printable solar eclipse placemats are your ticket to an interactive journey through our solar system, complete with fun facts and brain-boosting activities.
These sheets are also perfect to use with students in the classroom, or even as solar eclipse activities for libraries, as you learn about eclipses and get excited for this special time. Astronomical events like this are a perfect opportunity to get kids more interested in STEM and feel connected to these themes.
Free Printable Solar Eclipse Activities
Here’s the scoop on what each cosmic solar eclipse activity sheet offers:
Materials needed: Free PDF printable download below, paper, pencils and colored pencils or markers.
Solar Eclipse Placemat 1
Eclipse Word Search
Dive into a grid of letters to find hidden space-themed words. The words included are
- solar
- moon
- sun
- nasa
- shadow
- eclipse
- glasses
- orbit
Eclipse Path Mapping
Grab a crayon and chart the course of the eclipse across the USA – geography meets astronomy! Kids can check whether they and their family live within the path of totality.
Safety First
Why are eclipse glasses a must? There is a spot for kids to pen down the importance of eye protection.
Cosmic Maze
Help the rocket find its way to the eclipse in this interstellar labyrinth.
Label the Eclipse
Get your markers ready for a cosmic labeling mission! This activity is perfect for our young astronomers to visually connect the dots and understand the mechanics of an eclipse. By labeling the parts of an eclipse, kids will not only learn the terms but also get a clear picture of this celestial phenomenon. It’s like a mini astronomy lesson on a placemat!
Suns and Moons Tic-Tac-Toe
Classic tic-tac-toe gets a cosmic twist! Suggest your kids play as suns and moons instead of Xs and Os.
It’s a simple switch that adds an astronomical touch to this beloved game and keeps the theme of the solar eclipse shining brightly in their activities.
Solar Eclipse Activity Placemat 2
Sun Dot-to-Dot Fun
Connect the dots to reveal the mysterious face of the sun, nurturing those fine motor skills.
Complete the Eclipse Diagram
Completing the eclipse diagram is a hands-on way to bring the solar eclipse to your dining room table. This activity encourages kids to think critically as they place the sun, earth, and moon in their proper places. It’s a brilliant way to have fun and learn the science behind why eclipses are such a special spectacle.
Safety Check
A friendly reminder to gear up with protective eyewear for eclipse watching.
Solar Eclipse Coloring
A spot for coloring a detailed eclipse scene – perfect for your little space artist.
Pinpoint Your Place
Mark where you are on the mini map and see where you fit in this vast universe.
Eclipse Weather Predictions
Mix science and art by drawing the potential weather during the eclipse.
Solar System Scramble
Unscramble the celestial words for a brainy blast!
Solar Eclipse Facts
Each activity mat comes sprinkled with fun solar facts that enlighten young minds as they play. These snippets of knowledge turn each game or puzzle into a learning moment, ensuring that the path to understanding our universe is as entertaining as it is educational.
Before you hit the download button, let’s take a moment to appreciate the cosmic dance between the sun and the moon.
Eclipses have stirred the imaginations of civilizations throughout history. From the chilling myths of a great beast devouring the sun to the modern understanding of moon phases and the delicate alignment of celestial bodies, these events have always been a rich source of storytelling and scientific discovery.
Add a sprinkle of lunar lore to your eclipse party and watch as the moon takes the stage in this grand celestial theater.
Fun Eclipse Facts for Kids
- Day Turns to Night: During a total solar eclipse, the day can suddenly turn into night, causing an eerie twilight experience. For a brief magical moment, the daytime world is hushed and transformed.
- Solar Corona Show: It’s the only time you can see the sun’s corona (its outer atmosphere), which is usually hidden by the bright light of the sun’s surface. This glowing halo is a sight to behold!
- Animal Confusion: Animals often get confused during a total solar eclipse. Birds may stop singing, thinking it’s twilight, and some animals might even start their nighttime routines!
- Shadow Bands: Just before and after totality, you might notice wavy lines of alternating light and dark on the ground. These are called shadow bands and are caused by the sun’s light being distorted by Earth’s atmosphere.
- Temperature Drop: When the sun is completely covered, there’s a noticeable drop in temperature. It can feel like the temperature has suddenly plunged, as the moon’s shadow passes.
Download the Solar Eclipse Activity Mats PDF
Prepare for lift-off by downloading these stellar activity mats for FREE. They’re designed to enchant kids of all ages, from tiny comets to soaring space cadets.
Terms of use: These free printable eclipse activities are free for personal use, classroom use, and community use eg in libraries or local groups.
A total solar eclipse is a once-in-a-lifetime celestial event that serves as a cosmic reminder of our place in the vastness of outer space.
These eclipse activity mats are your family’s passport to a memorable experience, blending education with excitement.
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or library looking for solar eclipse activities, these printables are brimming with opportunities for learning and fun.
So, set your countdown for the solar eclipse, print these placemats, and get ready for an intergalactic adventure right at your table!
Let’s turn this solar eclipse into an unforgettable journey through the cosmos. Remember to step outside, don those glasses, and immerse yourself in the wonder of our universe. See you in the shadow of the moon!
More Space and Solar System Activities for Kids
Looking for more intergalactic fun? Let’s skyrocket your kiddo’s love for the stars with a universe of activities!
Get ready to fuel their curiosity with crafts that launch their understanding of the solar system into orbit.
- 35 Fun Solar System Activities For Kids That Are Out Of This World
- Free Printable Space and Planet Color by Number Multiplication
- Perler Bead Patterns Space Crafts
- Soda Bottle Rocket Kids Craft
- Space and Astronauts Colouring Pages for Kids (Free Printable)
- 25 Cheerful Sun Crafts for Toddlers
- 29 Moon Crafts and Activities for Kids
- 12 Free Printable Space Lacing Cards
- 15 Out of This World Gift Ideas for Kids Who Love Space
If you’ve enjoyed these cosmic tidbits and activities, share the wonder with others! Pin this post on Pinterest, pass it along to fellow parent-planet explorers, or share it on social media. Let’s create a community of star-gazers and eclipse-chasers.
By sharing, you’re sparking inspiration and joining a galaxy of families in celebrating this astonishing event.
Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.