On April 8, the entire school got to sit down on the football field and experience the solar eclipse that took place.
A solar eclipse is a phenomenon that happens when the moon is in a new moon phase and aligns with the sun and Earth, blocking the view of the sun from Earth. Depending on the distance and position of the moon, the eclipse could be seen partially or fully. Here in Grayslake, the moon only partially covered the sun.
“It’s a natural phenomenon and a unique opportunity for people to witness the alignment of the sun, moon, and Earth in real-time,” said science department chair Allison Gest “Throughout history, solar eclipses have been interpreted in various ways by different cultures. It was nice for our Knight’s family to have this experience together and be part of history!”
Gest planned out the entire school day to match when the eclipse would be partially visible so students would be able to see it without missing any important class material.
“We created a schedule based on when the eclipse would be visible, purchased glasses for everyone in the building, and made sure we organized our viewing party for 8th block teachers and students. It’s easy to plan when you have an awesome group of staff and students who are willing to help out!” Gest said.
For North, the solar eclipse was made into a full event during classes where students were able to leave with their class and go outside to view the extraordinary sight.
“I really enjoyed going out and seeing it. It was a really cool experience!” said senior Hannah Han.
Students had a good time looking at the eclipse with the special glasses, though the sun wasn’t fully covered. The next solar eclipse that will be in Illinois will take place on January 14, 2029, which will also be a partial eclipse.
“Yes I would love to see another one if it were in Illinois, I think it would be nice for other students at North to see it as well since the eclipse only happens in certain spots every few years,” Han said.
Some of North’s teachers even took the day off to go see the solar eclipse in full action. Science teacher Nathania Busse went to Arkansas where the sun was completely blocked out by the moon.
“My family and I rented an RV and traveled to Arkansas where there was 100 percent totality for over four minutes. It was an amazing experience and completely worth the trip,” Busse said. “We went to a campsite where everyone there came to experience the eclipse, so it made it even more special to see people from all over the U.S.”
Since the next solar eclipse won’t happen near Illinois for another few years, Gest wanted students to see the importance of a scientific event like this.
“Witnessing a solar eclipse firsthand provides students with a tangible, life experience that aligns with learning in the classroom. I think it also sparks curiosity and wonder in students pursuing interests in the STEM fields. Also, I think the event encourages students to develop a deeper connection to nature and our universe as a whole,” Gest said.
