Originally published March 10, 2024
Latest Update April 3, 2026
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.
Table of Contents
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
Notable eclipses for North America:
March 3, 2026 — Total Lunar Eclipse
August 12, 2026 — Total Solar Eclipse
June 26, 2029 — Total Lunar Eclipse
August 28, 2026 — Partial Lunar Eclipse
January 14, 2029 — Partial Solar Eclipse
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.
NASA Artemis Music Activities for Kids
The Artemis II mission is officially underway, marking the first time in over 50 years that humans have returned to lunar orbit. This “Artemis Generation” of students is witness to history, making it the perfect time to bring space exploration into the music room. By connecting the science of the SLS rocket and the Orion spacecraft to rhythm, movement, and soundscapes, we can create a truly interdisciplinary STEAM experience.
Flying to the Moon Sing-a-long
Looking for a high-energy way to get your students excited about the Moon and the NASA Artemis missions? My newest video, Flying to the Moon, is the perfect addition to your space-themed lesson plans!
This sing-along is designed for K-5 students and features:
- Active Imagination: Students “launch” into space and walk on the Moon.
- Musical Exploration: Use it for rhythmic ostinati or simple movement patterns (perfect for a brain break!).
- Science Integration: Great for connecting music to your science units on the lunar cycle and space exploration.
🎁 Bonus: I’m also offering the accompaniment mp3 for FREE! Just head over to the Freebies post to grab your copy and start singing in your classroom today.
Space-Themed Music Lessons & Resources
- Artemis “Moon Shadow” Movement: Use the Moonshadow by Cat Stevens activity to teach students about rotation and orbit. Have one student act as the “Earth,” another as the “Artemis Capsule,” and a third as the “Moon” to visualize the mission’s trajectory.
- Star Wars Movement: Take your “Artemis Generation” students on a journey to a galaxy far, far away with this Star Wars Movement Activity. Perfect for grades 3-6, this lesson uses body percussion to help students internalize musical form. It’s a high-engagement way to practice rhythmic precision while celebrating one of the most iconic “space” scores in cinematic history.
- The Moon’s On Fire Read Aloud: Ignite your students’ curiosity about lunar cycles and glowing night skies with The Moon’s On Fire. This rhythmic read-aloud is perfect for K-1 and serves as a whimsical introduction to the Moon’s “phases” as your students follow along with the Artemis II crew’s journey. Use it to practice steady beat or as a creative springboard for simple vocal explorations.
- Starry, Starry Night: Bring a sense of peace and wonder to your classroom with Starry, Starry Night. This original song and versatile resource is designed for grades 2-5 and features a beautiful Orff arrangement that includes parts for:
- Barred Instruments: xylophone, glockenspiel, finger cymbals (triangle), ukulele C chord only (opt), recorder A, G, E (opt)
- Percussion: Finger Cymbals to add that “twinkle” effect.
- Vocal Explorations: Engaging echo-singing and melody practice.
- Bonus Movement: A high-energy “Meteor” parachute game that perfect for getting the wiggles out while reinforcing musical form.
Whether you are looking for a calming winter concert piece or an interdisciplinary lesson to pair with a science unit on the moon and stars, this low-prep resource provides everything you need—from a lesson plan timeline to sheet music and play-along videos. Read more about Starry, Starry Night on TPT.
- Star Light Star Bright-This resource will give you the classic learning for sol-mi and quarters, barred eighth notes PLUS the hard-to-find opportunity for your younger students to play barred instruments in a meaningful way. The Orff arrangement includes a simple bordun and then a B section super-simple poem that becomes an instrumental section. Use this multi-lesson low/no prep format in either Google Slides or PowerPoint. Read more about Star Light Star Bright on TPT.
Space-Themed Merch
Astronaut Projection
It’s the perfect time to pull out the black lights, twinkle lights, and all your spacial goodies!
🚀 Light up your classroom and engage your students with this adorable astronaut!
Featured: Astronaut Galaxy Star Projector for an immersive Artemis mission-themed music room!
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!
As an Amazon Affiliate, I make a small commission at no additional cost to you.
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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