Solar Eclipse Offers Great Learning Opportunities in the ISD

Students and staff in the Independence School District eagerly awaited the solar eclipse on August 21. The eclipse was the first total solar eclipse visible in the state of Missouri since 1869, and the ISD is located in its narrow path of totality.

The ISD began planning for the total eclipse several months ago. NASA presented to many ISD science teachers in February, providing each teacher with a complete curriculum on the solar system and solar eclipse to implement in the classroom. All ISD students participated in a variety of classroom activities, tied to the Missouri Learning Standards, to better understand the eclipse. The eclipse is a real-world science connection for students, with great experiences in the classroom and outside during totality.

The ISD purchased eclipse-safe viewing glasses for all K-12 students and district staff. The solar eclipse began at 11:41 a.m., reaching totality shortly after 1 p.m. in the Independence area. Students and staff throughout the district shared excitement in experiencing this rare event.