Solar Eclipse Craft for Kids

This chalk art solar eclipse craft for kids is fun and easy! Get ready for the April 8, 2024 total eclipse across North America.

This solar eclipse craft for kids is simple and fun. Add this to your solar eclipse activity list!

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We’re tuned in to all things Space here in Houston. Last time there was a total eclipse in the US, it didn’t get anywhere near us, and we had to settle for a partial eclipse. It was still kind of cool, though, and cooler because we had made fun chalk art eclipse pictures in anticipation.

This year we’re in luck though! A total eclipse is moving across Texas in a few weeks!

We’ll be gathering with family of all ages, so I think I’ll pull out this easy solar eclipse craft for kids again. I got the idea from a Northern Lights art project my kids did back before the previous eclipse. I searched for a source for it, but all I could find were these similarly awesome Christmas light art.

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This solar eclipse craft for kids is simple and fun. Add this to your solar eclipse activity list!

Solar Eclipse Background

My kids ask so many science questions that I can’t answer. I have to admit, I was a little fuzzy on exactly what the position of the earth, sun and moon are during a solar eclipse. I knew that it was the moon blocking the sun, but didn’t understand all the moving parts or why you can only see it in such a narrow band across the Earth.

RELATED: 10 Solar Eclipse Books for Kids

I did a little searching on YouTube, and liked this video the best. It’s detailed enough to answer all my kids’ questions, but not so technical that it’s above their heads (okay, or mine!)


Solar Eclipse Craft Materials

Sophie made her solar eclipse craft with no problem. Isabella, on the other hand, had trouble with her template slipping. So for her, we used re-stickable clear contact paper, and it worked beautifully. I’d definitely recommend that for younger kids. (Both links below are affiliate links for your convenience.)

This solar eclipse craft for kids is simple and fun. Add this to your solar eclipse activity list!

Solar Eclipse Craft Instructions

  1. Cut out a circle for each child from the scrap paper or contact paper.
  2. Tape or stick the circle to the center of the construction paper.
partly made eclipse craft with some of chalk rubbed out
  1. Trace around the circle template with a thin line of chalk.
  2. Color heavily with chalk on the edges of the circle template.
  3. Use a finger to spread the chalk out from the template onto the background paper.
partly finished eclipse craft with all of chalk rubbed
  1. Make sure all the excess chalk is spread out or shaken off, and then remove the circle template to reveal the clear space behind it. Label with the metallic gel pen if you like.
hand peeling up the "moon" circle revealing black paper beneath

More Eclipse Fun

The last time we had a total eclipse was seven years ago (can you believe it’s been that long!) and I fell in love with these cute t-shirts shown on the left below. Well, I just checked, and I’m excited to share that there’s an updated shirt for 2024 – hooray! (affiliate)

Together at Last eclipse-tshirt from 2017
Together Again 4-8-2024 eclipse shirt with a cartoon sun and moon

Pin the craft for later:

This solar eclipse craft for kids is simple and fun. Add this to your solar eclipse activity list!

Related articles across the web:

NASA has some helpful information on viewing the 2024 eclipse, including eye safety, the eclipse path, and more.

I also really like this simple 2024 eclipse overview from the Exploratorium science museum.

Happy viewing!

38 Comments

  1. This is great! I am in the library in an elementary school so I will definitely be using some of these ideas – and I think I need to order the shirt for my kids. We are in a total eclipse zone – so you can come stay with me and my family! ?

    1. Glad you like it. I’m so jealous you’re in the path of totality! You’re sweet to toss out an invite. We thought about friends we could visit, and wish it were more practical for our family. There’ll be a total eclipse in Texas in 2024 – we’ll just have to wait.

      1. Oh, how disappointing that they have to stay inside for the eclipse. Glad to help make it special with this craft 🙂

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  3. Since tomorrow is the “big day”, this will be a great activity to do my my summer camp students. Thank you!

  4. I live in Omaha and can’t wait till tomorrow. I work with preschoolers so I’m definitely going to do this project with them.

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  6. I love these activities!! I’ll try them with my grandson. Keep up the good work. It’s wonderful what you are doing. Keep on SHINING!! Spreading love and knowledge.

  7. Hi Heather,
    By any chance do you have a lesson plan on this activity that you can share?

    My husband is already planning to go to Texas for the next one!!!! We live in Florida and what I saw was no big deal.

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  10. Thanks! I appreciate you sharing such a great idea. I added making the Moon circle with a compass to add a degree of difficulty for my fourth graders.

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