Witnessing a Solar Eclipse: A Dream Come True for Students at Nichols Middle School
Nichols Middle School in Evanston recently had the opportunity to witness a solar eclipse in person, a rare and exciting event that was included in the eighth-grade science curriculum. The students studied about these celestial phenomena through textbooks and visual aids, but this hands-on experience allowed them to see the science lesson come to life before their eyes.
Eighth-grade science teacher Ben Apter described the experience as one of the coolest natural events that students could witness. He emphasized how lucky they were to have this opportunity, making it a dream come true for many.
The class gathered on the school lawn with solar glasses to witness the celestial event as it reached its peak. The students were amazed and couldn’t help but express their excitement with sounds of wonder and amazement. Anna Naidech expressed her awe at witnessing the eclipse in real life, stating that it was even cooler than she had imagined. Bella Henderson shared Naidech’s sentiments, mentioning how incredible it was to witness a solar eclipse during her lifetime and be part of a generation that could appreciate and remember the event. Although Evanston was not in the path of totality, students were still awed by the partial eclipse and its effects, such as the chill in the air and sharp shadows that appeared.
Before witnessing the solar eclipse, students received educational information about these events during a tour of the Adler Planetarium. This hands-on experience allowed them to see science lessons come alive before their eyes, providing an exciting opportunity for learning. The students reflected on their luck in witnessing such a rare event afterword, realizing that it might be years before they have another chance to see something like this again.
Overall, this real-life experience reinforced how important it is for students to engage with nature and learn about science beyond just textbooks and visuals aid
