17 Aug Make Your Own Solar Eclipse Pinhole Viewers

We are just 2 days away from the once-in-a-lifetime solar eclipse, and I’m probably the only person left on the planet who hasn’t bought the necessary glasses. It’s a huge homeschool fail, I know. I see all the homeschoolers around me ramping up for the big event, drafting elaborate unit studies, inspiring excitement and anticipation. And me? When I finally get around to thinking about it, there are no solar eclipse glasses to be found. So, in true DIY fashion, we are going to make our own solar eclipse pinhole viewers.

With young children, the solar eclipse pinhole viewers are maybe a better option. I’ve read multiple accounts of solar eclipse glasses being recalled, inadequate for viewing the sun. I’ve also heard that many schools are actually keeping the children inside, for fear of damaging their eyes. I certainly have no desire to risk my children’s eyes, and would rather be safe than sorry. However, I also want to make sure that my children get to experience this phenomenon. You can’t go wrong with the solar eclipse pinhole viewers because you are actually going to be turned away from the sun while viewing, thus protecting your eyes.

What You’ll Need:

• A cereal box
• White paper
• Scissors
• White glue
• Aluminum foil
• Tape
• A pin

Step 1

Get a cereal box and trace the bottom of it onto a piece of white paper. Cut out the rectangular shape and glue it to the inside bottom of the box.

Step 2

Next cut two holes in the top of the cereal box lid as shown. The smaller hole will be for viewing. The larger hole will be for capturing the image of the sun.

Step 3

Tape the top of the cereal box so that lid will not open. Cover the larger hole with tin foil. Tape it into place so that there is no light leaking through.

Step 4

Finish of your solar eclipse pinhole viewers by sticking a pin into the middle of the tin foil. This is where the light of the sun will shine through, reflecting off of the white paper inside the box.

Step 5

We went outside to test our solar eclipse pinhole viewers before the actual eclipse to make sure that they worked well and we knew how to use them. It took a little practice, so I would recommend this for younger children.

Enjoy the solar eclipse! Be smart and safe. There are certainly risks but events such as this are not times to hole up in your homes in fear. Get out and experience life to its fullest in an educated and reasonable fashion! Tell us about your experience on our Facebook page.