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Solar Eclipse
STEM Night
Wednesday, April 3, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Westhill High School
Advanced Registration Required
Did you know that on Monday, April 8, 2024, there will be a total solar eclipse in Syracuse? This is a once-in-a-lifetime event for many, as this is the only total solar eclipse that will take place anywhere in the United States until 2044, and the only one that will take place anywhere in New York State until 2079!
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Come join us on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for a free, fun-filled evening for the whole family as we learn more about solar eclipses and prepare for this exciting event! There are only 200 spots available, so sign up now to attend!
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Sign Ups Open at 3:00 p.m. on 3/8
STEM Night Activities
Planetarium with OCM BOCES
Location: Cafeteria
Age Recommendation: ALL
Learn more about solar eclipses and gaze at the night sky with Planetarium Specialist, Mr. Leece, from OCM BOCES and WHS earth science teacher Ms. Pounder! Please no sharp objects or laser pointers in the planetarium.
Astronomy Storytime
Location: Library - Creation Lab
Age Recommendation: Grades K-2
Join Walberta librarian Ms. Linton at the WHS library for a storytime with books about astronomy! Storytimes will take place every 15 minutes.
NASA GLOBE Observer Training
Location: Library - Gathering Zone
Age Recommendation: Grades 5+
Did you know that NASA has created a citizen science app called NASA GLOBE Observer? This app is free to download and allows users to record changes in the environment. Join our 8th grade student experts and OHMS earth science teacher Mrs. Derrenbacher to learn how to use this app during the solar eclipse. Bring your own device.
Moon Scale
Location: Cafeteria
Age Recommendation: ALL
Keep busy while you wait in line for the planetarium -- join WHS Earth Science teacher, Ms. Pounder, to use a special scale to see how much you would weigh if you were on the moon!
Solar Eclipse Model with Lollipops
Location: Library - Conference Room
Age Recommendation: Grades 2+
What exactly are the earth, sun, and moon doing during a solar eclipse? Learn how to create a model of a solar eclipse with lollipops, and then take them home to eat!
Pinhole Projector
Location: Back Glass Corridor
Age Recommendation: ALL
Want to view a solar eclipse but don’t have eclipse glasses? No problem! An easy way to safely view a solar eclipse is with a box pinhole projector. With a few simple supplies, you can create a safe and fun way to experience the magic of an eclipse from anywhere.
DIY Solar Eclipse Glasses Shield
Location: Front Glass Corridor
Age Recommendation: ALL
It is very important that all people viewing the eclipse keep their eyes covered with the solar eclipse glasses. In order to prevent accidental eye damage, join us as we make paper plate shields and decorate them!
Meta Quest 2 - Virtual Reality
Location: Library - Main Space
Age Recommendation: Grades 5+
Join WHS library aide, Mr. Laureano as he teaches folks how to use the Meta Quest 2 VR headsets for some space-related fun!
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Do students need to be accompanied by and adult?Any child under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
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How much does the event cost?Nothing -- the event is free!
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Who can attend the event?Any Westhill CSD student and their adult caregiver can attend! Young children who are not yet school age can attend with their school age siblings, but they may not be able to participate in all activities, as supplies are limited.
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Where can I park?The main entrance on Onondaga Boulevard will be open, and the registration tables will be set up there. Therefore, parking in the WHS lot off of Onondaga Blvd will be best, but there is overflow parking on Grand Avenue or Saint Ann's.
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Is there an agenda for the event? What time should I arrive?No, arrive whenever you'd like and participate in the activities in which you're interested. You can find more about the planned activities by scrolling up on this page.
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Will there be any food or drinks available at the event?No, but there are water fountains and water bottle filling stations available on site.
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What should I bring with me?Bring a cereal box to make a pin-hole projector (one for each attendee). There are some supplies on site, but they are limited.