A lunar or solar eclipse is a great time in elementary music to integrate music and science. Here are a variety of eclipse and sun, moon, and Earth music activities for kids K-6.
The Playlist
What is a lunar and solar eclipse?
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon appears in between the sun and the earth, blocking the sun’s light.
A lunar eclipse occurs when the earth appears in between the sun and the moon, casting a shadow on the moon.
A solar eclipse takes place during the day time, when there is a new moon. A lunar eclipse takes place during the night, when there is a full moon.
How Many Eclipses Occur Each Year Worldwide?
According to timeanddate, most years have 4 with a maximum (rare) of 7! Eclipses are happening worldwide all the time! Let’s look into the future!
Eclipses & Super Moons Worldwide
Solar Eclipse Vocabulary
Total-the moon completely covers the face of the sun. Partial-the Moon comes between the Sun and Earth, but the Moon only partially covers the Sun’s disk. Annular-the Moon covers the Sun’s center, leaving the Sun’s visible outer edges to form a “ring of fire” or annulus around the Moon.
Lunar Eclipse Vocabulary
Total-the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon and its shadow covers the Moon. Eclipse watchers can see the Moon turn red when the eclipse reaches totality. Partial-the Earth moves between the Sun and the Full Moon, but they are not precisely aligned. Only part of the Moon’s visible surface moves into the dark part of the Earth’s shadow. Penumbral-when the Moon moves through the faint, outer part of Earth’s shadow, the penumbra. This type of eclipse is not as dramatic as other types of lunar eclipses and is often mistaken for a regular Full Moon.
Eclipse Music Activities for Kids
Eclipse SONG, Circle Game, & Orff Arrangement
Here’s the perfect song and fun circle game about lunar and solar eclipses.
Then, a spoken, rhythmic B section, all with an engaging Orff arrangement.
There’s MORE!
A Poison Pattern game & parachute activity along with a simple C chord for ukulele AND simple TAB melody play!
It’s no or super low prep with step-by-step slides.
Moonshadow by Cat Stevens Movement Music Activity
Whether it’s the solar eclipse, lunar eclipse, or general science about the planets and stars, this beautiful song by Cat Stevens combined with a music and movement activity (*shadowing and rotation) will charm and delight your students.
Total Eclipse of the Heart
This rhythm play along objectives are eighth, half, and quarter notes, quarter rests, rolls, accents, and 4/4 and 6/4 meters. Optional parts for vibraslap and sleigh bells.
Here Comes the Sun Body Percussion
GREAT body percussion video that uses a modified staff layout for kids to perform as they here this classic song from the Beatles.
Lots of quarters and barred eighth note reading! The mixed meter portion of the song appears as dotted quarters.
Eclipse by Pink Floyd Body Percussion & Barred Instrument Play Along
A Place In the Sun | Ukulele & Barred Instrument Play Along
A fun play along to the classic Stevie Wonder song using ukuleles and barred instruments!
Solar by Miles Davis | Elementary Jazz Movement Activity
Let’s Jazz it up with a fun movement activity that lets kids move to quarter, half, and whole notes to the basic beat of the piece, played by the amazing Miles Davis Quintet.
Lights, Cameras, Magic Merch
Dress the Part
I love this t-shirt! It’s sure to spark some student conversations!
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Lighting Effects to Set the Mood
Set the mood in the classroom or for a concert!
Check out this blog post FULL of ideas and resources for using blacklights, glowsticks, flashlights, fluorescents, and drumsticks that glow.
Starry Night Projection
🚀 Light up your classroom and engage your students with this adorable astronaut!
The BIG List of (Other) Music Games
For more general interest games, check out The Big List of Music Games for all ages including your hard-to-please older students.
The games use beat, rhythm, singing, and music vocabulary and include out games, competitions, performing, and challenges.
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