Eclipse Apprentice Training

Nature has its own rhythm and motion.  Animals make all kinds of noises like chirping and buzzing and also make all kinds of movements through and around the many plants growing about them. 

What happens during a solar eclipse? As the Moon blocks out the Sun and the Earth becomes darker and cooler, the animal kingdom reacts.  According to researchers, birds stop singing and hide in their nests. Bees get louder.  They start to buzz loudly and fly in and out of their hives. On farms, chickens and cows start to walk back to the barn because they think it is nighttime.

A solar eclipse seems to wake up nocturnal animals, however. Bats and owls become more alert and start to feed. The eclipse only lasts for a few minutes. Almost as quickly as it came, the eclipse passes and daylight returns. The animals become a bit confused.   But suddenly there is an explosion of sound as the Sun comes back.

Nocturnal animals – animals who sleep during the day and are active at night

Write, draw, or verbally discuss the answers to the following questions:

• How does a solar eclipse affect animals? Why does this happen?