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NCCAT Teams Up to Offer Solar Eclipse Training for Educators

CULLOWHEE—The North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) will partner with Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute (PARI) from April 10–13 to offer “Total Solar Eclipse Training” to K–6 educators from across the state.

On August 21, a portion of the western part of the state will experience a total solar eclipse for approximately two and a half minutes. Prior to the “Great American Eclipse,” 15 teams of two teachers apiece will be offered valuable information and insight into this rare celestial phenomenon.

Each team will be provided with a Total Solar Eclipse kit to take back and share with their respective schools. In addition, participants in this special program agree to engage in a customized community event in their school districts on the day of the “Great American Eclipse.” After the eclipse occurs, each teacher will be asked to complete a post-event evaluation.

Topics covered during the program include common mythology, misconceptions, and general misnomers related to solar eclipses. For the 30 teachers selected, this is a once-in-a-lifetime training program. After all, the next total solar eclipse will not be visible in this region for another 136 years.

This program will consist of innovative ways to study an eclipse as well as strategies for hosting a successful community event back home on August 21, 2017. Space is limited for this particular program so we encourage educators to apply today.

The Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute (PARI) is a public not-for-profit 501(c)(3) science education and research center.

NCCAT, a nationally recognized leader in professional development, covers lodging, meals and conference materials. Travel and substitute teacher cost are not covered. Please visit www.nccat.org for more information.

Click here for more on the program.