Solar Eclipse Activities in Libraries (SEAL)

Kits are being distributed to the regional library systems. Each system was randomly selected to receive one of the two available kinds of kits. Please check your system's website or contact them directly to request to borrow a kit.

Kit Lists (what's in each kit)

Main differences between the two kinds of kits:

• Multigenerational has a solar telescope - Younger Audiences has a sunspotter
• Multigenerational has large sunoculars - Younger Audiences has mini sunoculars
• They include different books
• The Young Audience Kits include more hands-on activities

If you use one of these kits in a program at your library, please remember to complete this form to document how many patrons were in attendance.

How to use the equipment:

• Coronado Personal Solar Telescope
  • 12-minute How-To Video on how to set-up and operate the solar telescope
  • How-to Manual
• Sunspotter Telescope
  • How to setup and use the sunspotter
    
    
    

SEAL will present a hands-on workshop at Manhattan Public Library on September 11, 2023, from 10 am to 4 pm.

The Solar Eclipse Activities in Libraries (SEAL) Workshop will prepare and empower public library staff to facilitate meaningful solar and space science programs for their patrons that build curiosity, knowledge and inspiration. Attendees will receive hands-on training on operating solar telescopes and other methods for direct and indirect solar viewing, best practices for developing and facilitating STEM programs, and how to engage with community partners and library-specific digital resource networks. Attendees will also be able to sign up for free solar eclipse glasses to distribute to their communities in advance of both eclipses! The workshop will use materials from the circulation kits and highlight best practices in using those materials but the strategies, activities and resources shared during the workshop will be useful to attendees whether they have access to a circulation kit or not.
 
The goals of this solar science workshop is to help library staff:

• Build off the excitement of the 2023 and 2024 solar eclipses, and engage their patrons in solar science activities
• Safely and effectively facilitate direct (e.g. solar telescope and Sunoculars) and indirect methods of safe solar viewing
• Develop and facilitate exciting and interactive STEM programming at their library

The workshop will include the following elements:

• Advice on engaging with community partners to promote and support solar science programs
• Ample opportunities for peer-to-peer networking and group discussions
• Direct instruction on setting up and using solar telescopes and sun spotters
• “Guide on the Side” facilitation strategies for STEM learning
• Help navigating STAR Net’s online community, where public library staff can share eclipse-related programming ideas, strategies and resources
• Hands-on facilitation of interactive solar science programs designed for library settings
• Advice on leveraging NASA volunteer networks like the Night Sky Network and Solar System Ambassadors

This training is open to all public librarians.

Due to limited space and time considerations, registration will be limited to one (1) staff member from each library.

Lunch will be included.

REGISTER

If you can't attend the workshop, SEAL has a recorded webinar that demonstrates some of the activities available in the kits.

SEAL logos, social media assets, and templates that can be used to promote solar science events and activities in your library.