Students experience eclipse with help of NASA engineer, special lessons

by Juanita I.C. Traughber, communications director

Faculty and staff added to excitement at USN with sun and moon-themed lessons and snacks during the total solar eclipse.
USN held a day of special events interspersed with the academic schedule for students to understand and experience the total solar eclipse Monday, Aug. 21.
 
The day began with NASA aerospace engineer Rebekah Sosland Siegfriedt speaking to each division during a morning assembly. With the help of Bill Nye the Science Guy and Angry Birds featured in videos, she explained how the total eclipse would occur.

"Having this eclipse in Nashville is a very rare occurrence, and it won't happen in Nashville again in your lifetime," she told students. "This is the only time scientists can study what is going on with the sun with their own eyes."

She also covered her role with NASA as a rover operator on the Mars 2020 mission to build a car-sized robot to search for microbial life and collect samples of rocks and soil. USN students could be the first humans on Mars, she said as she encouraged them to pursue careers in science or their passion.

Across the school, faculty, and staff added to the aura of excitement around the eclipse with sun and moon-themed lessons as well as MoonPies, Capri Suns, Starbursts, Eclipse gum, and other eclipse-themed snacks. Kindergartners used Oreos to learn the stages of the eclipse. First graders used paper plates to make masks for their solar glasses. Fourth graders used hangers and felt for their eclipse models. Middle Schoolers made pinhole cameras and read myths from various cultures about how they interpret the eclipse.

"I am really excited because it seems like a once in a lifetime opportunity," said Bennett Gilbert '18. He and partner Daniel Stephens '18 tinkered with a volleyball and lacrosse ball to make 3D models of the eclipse during Wilson Hubble's High School History of Science class. "It is cool to be at school to watch it with people I've known for years." During science class, they also discussed the difference between Aristotle and Copernicus' theories on the sun.

In addition to math and science classes, other academic courses and electives touched on the day's event. Dean of Students Nicole Jules' psychology class debated whether the moon affects mood. Dance teacher Marci Murphree's modern dance students choreographed a short dance about the eclipse. High School Service Learning Director Betty White used Eclipse gum to begin discussions on chewing gum and cultural norms as well as shadows and leadership roles.

Throughout the day, classes came and went from the Back Field. Students and faculty brought white paper and colanders outside and even used the picnic tables to look at crescent-shaped shadows being cast by the hiding sun. The Weather Channel's live broadcast during the day featured a few moments from USN.

"This will probably be my first and last time seeing an eclipse," said Millie Sims '26 as she cut paper replicas of the sun, the moon, and Earth to construct her handheld eclipse. "I am excited about seeing something so beautiful and nervous about taking off the glasses."

When the entire school gathered outside on the Back Field to watch totality together, High School aids eased her fears and assisted Lower School students with their solar glasses. Director Vince Durnan counted down to totality from a microphone and let everyone know when to remove their solar shades and when to return them to their eyes.

During the two minutes of totality, students erupted with screams of excitement as it became dark during the day. Crickets chirped, and nearby automatic garage lights switched on momentarily.

"It was just awesome. I never thought I would experience something like that, but I did," said Zazou Gray '28. "And it was just — wow. I just said 'wow' over and over again."
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Contact

Edgehill Campus
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212

Phone:  615-321-8000
Fax:       615-321-0889 
Email:    info@usn.org

River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218

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USN Mission: 
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.