NOVA: Great American Eclipse | Watch & Wonder Weekly Highlight

Monday, April 8, 1 PM

For next week’s Watch & Wonder Highlight, we’re thrilled to feature this episode of NOVA. After watching, dive deeper with resources about the evolution of eclipse predictions—from ancient Babylonians using a pattern of observations to Edmond Halley, who used mathematics—on PBS LearningMedia.

In Great American Eclipse, explore the spectacular cosmic phenomenon of a total solar eclipse. In April 2024, the Moon’s shadow is sweeping from Texas to Maine, as the U.S. witnesses its last total eclipse until 2044, and scientists scramble to unlock the secrets of our Sun.

PBS LearningMedia

Predicting Eclipses | Eclipse Over America

Grades 6-8
Learn about the evolution of eclipse predictions—from ancient Babylonians using a pattern of observations to Edmond Halley, who used mathematics—in this pair of videos from NOVA: Eclipse Over America. Use this resource to stimulate curiosity about the motions of the Sun, the Moon, and Earth and to provide opportunities for students to develop and use models of eclipses.

In school or at home, take advantage of the Watch & Wonder broadcast schedule. Running each weekday from 1-3 PM, Watch & Wonder is great for classroom viewing, distance instruction, and families looking to spend some extra, quality time together. Featured programs are ideal for kids in grades 6-12, encouraging creativity with the arts, kick starting innovation through STEM, and expanding their horizons with stories from across the globe!

Each week, we’ll highlight a show from our Watch & Wonder block, and share a PBS LearningMedia resource — suitable for middle and high school students. Follow along on the Watch & Wonder Schedule page, or subscribe to our newsletter!