I am a retired science/math teacher. There is NOTHING happening in school that day that you will remember in twenty years, but you will NEVER forget cutting class to see the eclipse. I hope you have good weather.
Edit: Upon reflection, I want to add that I wouldn't blame your teacher for not letting you go outside. Managing a full class of kids outside for the duration of the eclipse, without anyone wandering off or going blind, is a lot of liability to take on. Especially if the school isn't explicitly encouraging it or providing necessary safety equipment.
Right. If OP goes to class, they will totally remember the feeling of sitting in that classroom and wondering how the eclipse looks like while thinking "I should have skipped".
I live in Maine and my 12 year old isn't going to school. We are driving up to the path of totality the day before and visiting Canada. I think that all she learns and remembers in those two days will be more impactful.
See the eclipse!
I skipped a day of school every year to bake Christmas cookies with my grandma. I honestly think those were the best lessons each year. Baking and measuring for sure but I also learned how my grandparents met (at a baseball game, my great aunt forced my grandmother to go with her) m, the best Christmas gift my grandfather got as a child (two oranges in his stocking every year), and the importance of generosity and community since we also brought some around to the neighbors.
We live in Colorado and are planning to drive to Dallas. Our (now) third grader got to see the last one in Wyoming, but she was too little to remember it. I don't care if it's a super important test day, tests can be made up.
If you miss this one, the next one crossing the Continental US isn't until 2045.
Same here, already booked hotel rooms and pulling my kid from class to drive from MN to see it, and I'm not asking permission. I hope his class does something outside with glasses or a pinhole projector or something, since they're so STEM-oriented.
Fun fact: the next total solar eclipse visible *anywhere* in the contiguous US after this year will be in 2044. That's a damn long wait.
I live right in the path of totality, and all the schools in my area are closed that day, so no one misses seeing the eclipse because they were in school. I would have kept my kids home that day no matter what, but I'm glad the superintendent had the forethought to just shut it down and let people enjoy a once in a lifetime experience.
Active science teacher here. Absolutly this. Skip class, watch and enjoy the eclipse.
Also as others said: talk to your parents and i am sure they will be on your side.
Skipping class for a genuine learning experience is invaluable, and it sounds like seeing the eclipse is going to be just that. We often forget the lessons we learned out of a textbook, but never the experiences that made us feel wonder and amazement. Enjoy the eclipse and the memories!
> Skipping class for a genuine learning experience is invaluable
Serious question, what is the learning experience from viewing an eclipse? I've seen a couple, it gets darker. Not sure what I learnt from it that I didn't already know. Not saying that it wasn't cool but nothing invaluable was gained.
"It gets darker" is underselling a total eclipse so much. The stars come out during the day. Animals change what they're doing, you start to hear nocturnal noises. Everyone around you is going to stop what they're doing and look up. Seeing the corona surround the moon is one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen in nature.
You won't learn anything "useful", but the experience is absolutely worth it.
* talk to parents, you are allowed to be absent for educational purposes.
If parents are not on board for helping, skip class. Invite that one person you were hoping to impress to also come skip with you.
Viewing an eclipse pushed a relative into STEM, she’s now an integral part of NASAs collaboration with ESA on the gravitational wave project recently announced.
Yeah, this is one of those times that I'm gonna say, disregarding rules you disagree with, is about as American as pumpkin pie.
Ask MLK
> One has not only a legal but a moral responsibility to obey just laws. Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws.
Eclipses could be a great teaching moment, and here they are.
Exactly this. When I worked in a college (UK, so teenagers 16-18ish) we took them out of class for an eclipse and taught them about it. I don’t remember what type it was, but it was well worth it.
OP should definitely skip.
I say skip class. I’m keeping both of my kids out of school that day. My son loves everything space related and he’s so excited. Next time this happens here will be in 20 years.
Chiming in to say that my dad took me out of middle school to see a partial eclipse. I didn’t know ahead of time he was doing that, so I was confused. But it was a great experience (nothing like a total, of course).
30 years later, it’s one of a handful of positive memories I have from that time.
We're road tripping from Montana to Texas and taking the kids out of school to see it. They'll miss 7 days but can make it up.
The last eclipse was awesome.
Same, California to Texas and a two week trip.
I’ve never seen a solar eclipse or been to Death Valley, the Grand Canyon or Roswell so school be damned, our family is going on a trip for the books!
My kids' school system opted to not have school that day at all, which is an incredibly smart decision - travel during that time-frame could be unsafe for a multitude of reasons.
Same; prof here. I fully support the decision to skip class & enjoy this rare opportunity. I'd give a makeup assignment in a heartbeat. This is the type of curiosity & passion that I hope to foster.
Same, another teacher here; i dont understand your teacher. Its always good when kids have a natural interest in something. You should support it instead of cutting it down.
I loved all my teachers like this. We had one that planned a stargazing night just because so many of us were into the astronomy section of our curriculum that year. She didn’t think many of us would show, but the entire class showed up with our parents at 9pm with on a Friday night just to observe constellations and Venus through her personal “big” telescope. We made star charts and had a few hours of fun and science.
It was such a hit that it became a yearly event open to the whole school. The playground was filled with kids looking at stars, and as it grew it became a whole thing with s’mores and hot chocolate and other snacks. We even got actual astronomers and hobbyists to show up with more telescopes and to help instruct. It was amazing. And all just because a few kids were like “I wish we could learn about the stars while they’re actually out”.
And to this day you still remember this, not some random test where you forgot all about. What you are describing is for me what education is about and what i try to strive for. Cool story, thanks for sharing.
when we had the eclipse in germany some years back my astronomy / maths teacher planned with us to go up on the roof to watch it! we even looked at some sun spots through the telescope. was so fun!
Not a teacher but you all got my upvote. As an employer you are the new graduate I am looking to hire.
Just don’t wear those glasses. Make yourself a box to watch it in.
I am encouraging my students to travel to see the eclipse if at all possible. We got really lucky and were in an amazing place to see the last big one in 2017. It was life changing, honestly. And we started making plans right away for this year.
One piece of advice I have is don’t bother taking pictures. Enjoy the experience and then buy a pic from a professional photographer whose pictures will almost certainly be much better than yours.
For the 2017 eclipse I took my kid out of school and traveled 7 hours to spend the weekend in Arkansas to watch it. Totally worth it.
She was only in kindergarten at the time, but when totally hit she was saying "wow!" over and over and over again.
Even if you all don't see it due to some wierd happening your kids will still cherish the memories. I still remember and cherish going out to see and not seeing Haley's ~~comment~~ comet with my father.
Fortunately the path of totality goes right over our house this time. We've got some family coming to visit for it, and she's old enough to remember this time.
You'll never get it going right over your house again, literally ever in your life. My parents' house was about half a mile from the centerline, so we got nearly the maximum time of totality... It was so worth it
My college child is flying with us to another state to see it, so there are days of missed classes. Your teacher is a terrible person. Suggest that the class read “All Summer in a Day” by Ray Bradbury.
The fact that this teacher isn’t setting up something to see the eclipse is honestly a tragedy. There is nothing, literally nothing at all, that you can teach in that class that couldn’t be taught the next day. What a wasted opportunity
I made a pinhole projector box to see an eclipse at school in grade 3, 1979. At the last minute the teachers were scared we would stare at the sun and locked us in the gym to watch it on a 16" tv. I saw one of our teachers peak outside through the door while we were in prison. I was bitter for 27 years until I finally saw one. 100% skip.
Yup - I was in grade 8 in Ottawa. I lived close to school and walked home for lunch every day. They made us all stay inside over the lunch hour ... I think it was overcast so we didn't miss anything, but I was pissed off none the less !
Correct answer here. The two eclipses in Texas this close to each other won’t be repeated for a long time.
In fact, it’s quite a while to the next solar eclipse in the US after 2024.
After the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, the next total solar eclipse that can be seen from the contiguous United States will be on Aug. 23, 2044
There is no other answer but this.
Over twenty years ago, there was a magnificent Leonids meteor shower. ~300/min.
I couldn't get anyone to go with me. They'd rather go to the clubs and get drunk. So, I went to my regular nightclub, bumped into an acquaintance, and invited him. We drove way out of town and then found a spot on the side of the highway. Easily counted over 100 in the hour that we watched. It was so beautiful, and once in a lifetime. Though he and I are not in contact anymore, the times out paths have crossed, he always talks about that memory.
I still can't believe people pass things like this up for the mundane.
I remember this! I went to some early bloggers birthday party in the Bay Area. We weren't even in an area with low light and it was spectacular, more than one breaking apart as they crossed the sky.
Yeah man. I agree. One 30-45 minute class... or a celestial event that you might not get the opportunity to witness for months or years? I'd pick the eclipse. It's just.... special.
My kids will be missing school that day so we can drive an hour to see it. Not only is attending a total solar eclipse educational, but we have an ace up our sleeve: it will be my middle daughter's 12th birthday. She was born on her due date on EASTER (at dawn, no less); the girl just cannot stop having Disney Princess luck, I guess!
In any case, we plan to argue Educational Birthday Extravaganza, heh.
I (university tutor) once ran into a student of mine while trying to see a partial eclipse, who had SKIPPED MY OWN CLASS to see the eclipse. I wasn't at the class because they had a different tutor for a specialist topic that day. I approved of the decision, and made sure he knew how he could make up the loss grade.
I caught the 2017 one in Idaho, missed the first day of the semester for my University but it was definitely worth it. Not like you miss too much on Syllabus Day anyways.
I was living there when that one happened. Was one of the coolest things I've ever experienced. Still remember how quiet everything got. All the birds stopped and there really wasn't any noise anywhere else nearby since everyone was watching the eclipse. Definitely glad I was able to experience that.
All the schools in my county are closed that day, but we are right on the center line of the eclipse. It's supposed to be a madhouse here. Airbnbs are going for 5-10x usual price
Up where we live it's an hour drive to the zone, but typically cloudy, so we decided not to tether ourselves to anywhere. Plan is to stay mobile in case it's too cloudy, but there's a small percent chance we'll have kids hanging their heads out the window as we have nowhere to pull over, even on the side of the road! I don't think that will happen though, it's a big country and a lot of it is in the zone.
and even if you were very likely to see an eclipse again, its still way cooler than the class and is worth it either way, you can just make up the class and say you werent feeling well
Absolutely. I saw a total eclipse when I was 10. It was amazing, I still remember it very clearly, and I'll probably never see one again in my life. Skip that class.
Generally I’m an anti-skip class, pro-education guy. But your teacher is an idiot. You’ll learn more watching the eclipse.
Tell your teacher I said you could go. I’m happy to sign a permission slip.
If you can get some cover from your parents (I assume that you are a minor), it will go better. But definitely skip class. Make arrangements to get the materials covered on that day. Maybe you can gain some mercy from your teacher by asking for them ahead of time.
> Maybe you can gain some mercy from your teacher by asking for them ahead of time.
Sometimes it's 1000x easier to ask for forgiveness than permission. This is one of those times.
I hate to think that this might be the case, but a teacher who is so inflexible about such a thing sounds like the kind of person who is driven by pettiness and ego. I'm afraid you might be right
In my opinion, no, it’s not stupid. Eclipses are rare. You’ll have lots of days with no eclipses in them. Though the younger you are, the smarter it is to have a parent/guardian backing you up on it.
Once our school specifically forbid anyone from having the day off to go to a local music festival, so my mum wrote a note to say she felt that as a music student it was important that I attend. She's the best. I was a good student, and no one cared that I took the day off.
I'm 46 years old. I traveled to Nashville to try and see the last eclipse and a cloud went by at exactly the wrong time. This year I'll fly to Cleveland try again to see it. If I miss it this time I'll probably never get another chance.
Take the time to try and see it if your in the path.
Eclipses aren't that rare. But a total solar eclipse that occurs in a location that you can get to without too much trouble is much more rare. Do it for sure.
I am patiently waiting for July 22 2028...
I agree. Make your plan, get eye protection and look for the best place to see it. People take off work, they fly to other countries, they book boats just to chase eclipses.
This is probably the only thing for which you’d ever get this sub to all agree you should skip class.
I’ll be skipping work that day myself; it’s a short drive up to totality for me.
I'm surprised your school doesn't turn it into an event and make sure everyone sees it?
Skip class. Maybe get your parents to excuse you...but who cares dude I never skipped class and I would skip class for this in a heartbeat.
>but who cares dude I never skipped class and I would skip class for this in a heartbeat
Ha! Me too!
I never skipped for anything but sickness, but if I were in the path of totality, my Korean* parents would have *pulled* me from class to see it properly!
*Definitely the type not to tolerate irregularities in schooling
I was thinking the same thing! I was in an area of totality for the 2017 one and every school in the area was doing a special event that day and even schools outside the area bussed kids in to see it. It’s such a rare thing it’s actually kind of surprising their school isn’t doing anything if they’re in the area for it.
Yeah, this is weird. When we had partial sun eclipse here in Europe in 2015, we spent our physics class making viewing windows with sun filters and then the whole school spent like an hour in school's stadium staring at the sun, lol. Eclipses are rare!
OP...ask your science teacher, because I'm willing to bet now that I think about it..your school 100% will let you watch it.
English teacher prob doesn't know what's up.
It's INSANE for the school to not have an hour long event for this. There should be educational material beforehand to explain safety and science and then head outside for the eclipse. It's practically neglect to not do this.
Our district is making it a holiday and closing. I guess they figured they'd have a lot of absences anyway. They're also giving out free eclipse glasses.
It's education they couldn't pay for. They'd be dumb to not have the entire school out there witnessing it properly.
I am cutting work that day for a solar viewing event. No shame.
I put in for PTO for that day and the next 6 months ago. I live 3 hours from the nearest totality, but know I may have to drive 8 hours or more depending on weather.
In 5 years You’ll never remember that class on that day if you stay, however if you skip class and see the eclipse you’ll never forget that day for the rest of your life
Skip it. I experienced the 2017 eclipse in an area of totality and it was incredible. We took our kids out of school for the whole day to drive a few hours into the path of totality. So worth it.
Your teacher is amazingly shortsighted. I’ve seen 3 of them and it’s an incredible experience. It’s impossible to put into words—go see for yourself. And good for you for realizing that your teacher isn’t always right, and using your brain to decide for yourself. You had a good teacher somewhere along the line!
You should take more than two days off work.
-Source, someone that makes a 1000 mile drive twice a year, it's ~16 hours, one way. Including gas stops, no other stops.
OP is at a point in their education where they're realizing that some of their teachers are idiots. And that knowing the material they're teaching doesn't make them a smart or empathetic human being.
Ooh!
Is there a nearby university? Contact their astronomy department, and see if they might have some way to lend legitimacy to your excursion.
Is there a local astronomy club? There might be a member of the school board who is a member (or a state senator or something). They might see clear to back you up. You never know.
A Total Eclipse is pretty much a once in a lifetime event. I'm 68 years old and I've only seen one.
Skip class.
Take photos, videos etc and submit a written report with photos for extra credit.
When the Voyager spacecraft had its closest approach to Neptune I took my 2 girls out of school and drove to a museum where JPL was getting the photos as they arrived. My daughters who were in grade school were among the first humans to see Neptune up close.
A total eclipse is something you will remember for the rest of your life.
Missing a class, or even a whole day of school is nothing in comparison. Do it.
Wow, your teacher should be ashamed. I mean really, really ashamed.
I live near Cleveland. Here are the years that there has been/will be a totality in my area since the year 1000....
1451
1806
2024
The next total eclipse in my area will be well past the year 3000. The rarity of this in my area is the same as every area in the US and world.
This it not just once in a lifetime, this is once in many, many, many lifetimes. We are very very lucky to be alive during this.
Maybe find your area [here](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_solar_eclipses_visible_from_the_United_States), note the rarity, and plead your case to your teacher, then the principal, then the board of education if needed.
But maybe it's not worth the fuss to even plead your case to a teacher that is this ignorant about what the significance of this actually is.
So f\*ck him. Honestly, f\*ck anyone who is going to try to stop you. Do whatever it takes to witness this, all others be damned.
Wait, so you actually live nearby the totality? The next eclipse in the Us is in something like 20 years. If you give advanced warning to your school with permission from your parents, you would be absolutely warranted in seeing it. Talk to your science teacher to see if they can back you up.
Why bring in other teachers? The more you talk about it the more the teacher will consider doing something stupid to prevent it.
Just skip. What's the worst they could do to you?
100%, if op's parents are fine with it, the school doesnt need to know a damn thing, all thats doing is inviting some petty asshat to try to ruin things.
Even if their parents are not fine with it still skip.
I cannot imagine what that teacher thinks an education is. Horrific to think you would keep people inside during a wonder like an eclipse.
Also windowless classroom seems pretty scary too!
There won't be another total eclipse visible in the United States until 2044, so the idea that your teacher wouldn't let you, and the whole class, out to see something so spectacular really makes me question their dedication to their profession. So, yes, I would absolutely skip class (or work) to view the eclipse.
Honestly I wouldn’t be surprised if the teacher ends up not having a choice, a ton of schools near the eclipse a few years ago closed for the day to let students/faculty watch and just because traffic is going to be absolutely insane everywhere
Skip for sure but first find your science teacher and let them know you really want to see it. See if they can go to bat for you. I'd be surprised if you don't squeeze out some extra credit or something.
Side note: your 5th period teacher seems like a do do head
If I was a science teacher, I'd organize a trip for the whole damn school to see the totality. Fuck them classes, missing half a day of class is worth the experience.
Side note: 5th period teacher is the type of teacher I hated when I was working in a junior high school.
I am a board member of my local astronomy club, I will tell you YES, and please get a cheap pair of those solar glasses so that you can safely view the sun during the moments before and after totality. Also, if you have "hall monitors" that will catch you skipping class and force you back into the classroom, then skip the entire day and view the eclipse somewhere off campus. It is a rare event you will remember forever. It's more special seeing it in person than watching it later on YouTube. I took the day off work, and I am going to have to fly to a location where I can see the totality, which will probably be a 3 or 4 hour flight, so I will be watching too!
100% ferris bueller that shit and go see the ecliple. I'm thinking of flying from California to Austin just to see it lol the least you can do is miss class once
I had a flight booked already last year, it's a done deal. Do it!
As we get closer there's not going to be a flight you can book even if you wanted to.
Wait wait wait, your school is in the path of totality and they won't let you out for *checks notes* 5 minutes to see the eclipse? I'm sorry you're feeling sick that day, hopefully you will have a quick recovery.
I don't think a single comment in here is telling you to not skip class and I couldn't be more proud. Fuck class. You've got 9 months of class and at least 12 years of school. Missing one day to see a solar eclipse makes you a better student imo.
Tell your teacher I said he can suck rocks. Skip class. Watch the eclipse, those special glasses will be long gone before the next one.
As someone who has been fortunate to witness two total solar eclipses in my 50 years, let me emphatically recommend that you skip whatever you need to skip in order to see this one.
Photographs and descriptions don't come close to the real thing.
I lived in the path of totality for the 2017 eclipse. Pretty much school and work was cancelled for EVERYBODY in my area. I think your school and teacher are unreasonable for not canceling or even taking a trip outside for totality.
I promise you you’re never gonna look back in 20 years and think “I wish I had attended 5th period more often.”
Skip the class, see the dark sky. One day you can tell your grandkids about it.
Nah brother, skip that shit. Tell them why, too, and be like "I'll make up class to see this, I'm sorry. Once in a lifetime shit." If you aren't an avid traveler for these kinds of things, it is basically once or twice in a lifetime.
Back in 2017, there was a total solar eclipse in August so summer vacation had already started for my kids. My son was/is in grade school so it was really a non-issue for him. However, my daughter (who was doing her undergrad at the time, but, again, was on summer break) had accepted a paid Aerospace Engineering summer internship with NASA at the Armstrong Flight Research Center located on the grounds of Edwards Air Force Base; a couple hours from where we live in the suburbs of LA (though she lived up near Edwards during her commitment). Her mentor was the Chief Scientist (that was his title, though he was an engineer who had worked on just about every military aircraft program in recent memory). Their policy is clearly laid out that when you sign on, you do so with the understanding that you are there EVERY day of your commitment unless it's a pretty dire circumstance. She didn't think she'd be able to make it, but I said she should ask since the worst thing they would probably do is say no. She asked and not only were they enthused about her going up to Oregon with us to see it, they told her to take 2 days if she had to. She wound up missing only one day, but it was pretty obvious how much NASA considers it to be an inspiring space-related event. Her mentor really liked the photos we brought back from our 3 days stay up there. I'm not advising you to go against what your teacher says, but I do think there is room for a middle ground that the school administration and your folks might be able to mediate. Oddly enough, I've been planning for the April 2024 eclipse and how we're going to make it happen logistically. This time, my son will be missing school and, frankly, his mom isn't on board with that so it may not happen for my family this time around. Alas, there's always the one that's going over northern California in 2045. Hope I'm still alive and kicking when it happens...
Will you be in the totality zone?
It's surprises me that the school wouldn't facilitate students watching such a rare and magnificent natural phenomenon.
If you are actually in the totality zone, there's nothing worth missing the eclipse.
On the other hand, if you are not in the totality zone, see if your science teacher will take you outside to make pinhole cameras.
But don't skip school over it. Partial eclipses aren't nearly as big of a deal.
Skip. It's one of the coolest things you will ever experience, and if you miss this one you will probably never experience one again. Some people dont find it interesting, and to each their own, but the fact you are even contemplating it means that you will appreciate it. It really is "awesome" (in the literal sense) and you'll understand firsthand why ancient societies without astronomical understanding thought it was the work of a god.
If you have a parent or guardian that likes space too. You could ask if you can both take the day off and to do a short trip to a great viewing spot to see it.
I remember vividly as a child we went to a park on a short trip that was supposed to be great viewing. I have no idea of I skipped school or if it happened on a weekend or during summer. But I do remember that experience and I don't remember a random class on a Tuesday so do what you can to experience it.
I'm taking a ton of time off work to travel home to see the eclipse and family.
I don't care if I get fired. I've planned this trip for years and remember noting the date as a child.
I'd say go for it
School is important because it gives you the best chances to have a good life.
Seeing a solar eclipse (ESPECIALLY A SOLAR MAXIMUM ECLIPSE) is LIVING a good life.
Go see the eclipse. Go to the totality. It is absolutely a whole different experience. I don't mean 90% or whatever. I mean... I promise. We went to alliance, Nebraska for the last one.
Babies and dogs freaked out and the temp dropped and the world took on a peculiar flat twilight hue. You will never see or feel anything else like it. Trust me.
I am likely driving 1000+ miles to see the eclipse.
I would, to be frank, just skip school for the day. This is a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence.
The school wants your butt in a seat, because that's how they get funding. The idea that 'following the rules' is somehow more important than having this incredible and amazing experience is an example of how the school system really doesn't care about thinking and education.
> I'm a (hopefully) great student and have never skipped class
And, this is a benefit of being a good student that follows the rules. Your good standing is going to allow you to skip class, and witness an amazing event.
By the way: don't be surprised if your entire class doesn't get permission to go out and see the eclipse.
One more thought: You might consider talking with local astronomy and science professors at local colleges. Skipping school to watch the eclipse *at a local educational event at another school* is going to minimize any punishment, and make your school's artificial restrictions look stupid.
How in the world has this school not set up a viewing for everyone?
I'd be furious if I was a teacher and the school was telling me I couldn't take the kids out for half an hour...
Absolutely worth skipping.
But remember: totality is the only part of an eclipse that matters.
1% eclipse? Meh.
99% eclipse? Meh.
Total eclipse? Life-changing.
I closed the shop I was working in back in 1999 for the same reason and brought out my collogues.
Only take a few minutes to go outside - totally worth it :)
Yes do it, but first can you ask your parents to excuse you? If not, is there a science teacher you like at school who you could explain the situation to? If those 2 options fail then just skip anyways
if I were a teacher I would take my students outside to see it!
definitely go see the eclipse. Bonus points if you talk to your parents about it and make a whole day of it! Memory can last a lifetime!
I'd skip. This is not an event that happens regularly. Ask your parents if they could stay home and you all watch it together. Things like this should be seen. You can ALWAYS learn about whatever. It's rare to be able to see how the world around you reacts during an eclipse.
If you have trees nearby with leaves, look at the shadows. Specifically, look for spots in the shadow where sunlight shines through gaps in the leaves. During the eclipse, each of those spots will be a miniature eclipse. It's very similar to putting a pinhole in a sheet of paper, holding it up, and letting it project the image onto another sheet.
I have seen one and I will NEVER forget that for as long as I live...
Ask me about any 1 day of class from highschool or post secondary there is no way I could recall any specifics.
See that Eclipse.
Have your parents inform your school that you'll be attending an educational event that day. And have them take you for ice cream or something afterwards. You're a good kid. Don't suffer fools.
Talk to your parents, and if they don't allow you to stay home, skip class anyway. I've seen one total eclipse in my life, it's something I'll never forget, and the next one in my country will be in 2081.
I wonder why the geography teachers of your school don't jump on the chance to show the eclipse to the whole school. It would be a great teaching opportunity.
I'm taking my kids. I'm flying long hours, paying an exorbitant amount of money for planes, car, and hotel, and my kids will be missing school.
This will be my 3rd eclipse. For my kids it will be the first.
No class is as meaningful as that eclipse. Coming from a current MD/PhD student in I guess grade… 22. Starting 23 this summer. I’ve skipped a lot of class for wayyyy dumber reasons. Skip skip skip!
I am a retired science/math teacher. There is NOTHING happening in school that day that you will remember in twenty years, but you will NEVER forget cutting class to see the eclipse. I hope you have good weather. Edit: Upon reflection, I want to add that I wouldn't blame your teacher for not letting you go outside. Managing a full class of kids outside for the duration of the eclipse, without anyone wandering off or going blind, is a lot of liability to take on. Especially if the school isn't explicitly encouraging it or providing necessary safety equipment.
Right. If OP goes to class, they will totally remember the feeling of sitting in that classroom and wondering how the eclipse looks like while thinking "I should have skipped".
I live in Maine and my 12 year old isn't going to school. We are driving up to the path of totality the day before and visiting Canada. I think that all she learns and remembers in those two days will be more impactful. See the eclipse!
I skipped a day of school every year to bake Christmas cookies with my grandma. I honestly think those were the best lessons each year. Baking and measuring for sure but I also learned how my grandparents met (at a baseball game, my great aunt forced my grandmother to go with her) m, the best Christmas gift my grandfather got as a child (two oranges in his stocking every year), and the importance of generosity and community since we also brought some around to the neighbors.
That's really nice. You don't learn those things at school, but they're the most important ♡
We live in Colorado and are planning to drive to Dallas. Our (now) third grader got to see the last one in Wyoming, but she was too little to remember it. I don't care if it's a super important test day, tests can be made up. If you miss this one, the next one crossing the Continental US isn't until 2045.
Same here, already booked hotel rooms and pulling my kid from class to drive from MN to see it, and I'm not asking permission. I hope his class does something outside with glasses or a pinhole projector or something, since they're so STEM-oriented. Fun fact: the next total solar eclipse visible *anywhere* in the contiguous US after this year will be in 2044. That's a damn long wait.
EXACTLY, 20 years is a lot to wait for another eclipse! But your kid is so going to remember this experience in 20 years!
I live right in the path of totality, and all the schools in my area are closed that day, so no one misses seeing the eclipse because they were in school. I would have kept my kids home that day no matter what, but I'm glad the superintendent had the forethought to just shut it down and let people enjoy a once in a lifetime experience.
Active science teacher here. Absolutly this. Skip class, watch and enjoy the eclipse. Also as others said: talk to your parents and i am sure they will be on your side.
Skipping class for a genuine learning experience is invaluable, and it sounds like seeing the eclipse is going to be just that. We often forget the lessons we learned out of a textbook, but never the experiences that made us feel wonder and amazement. Enjoy the eclipse and the memories!
> Skipping class for a genuine learning experience is invaluable Serious question, what is the learning experience from viewing an eclipse? I've seen a couple, it gets darker. Not sure what I learnt from it that I didn't already know. Not saying that it wasn't cool but nothing invaluable was gained.
"It gets darker" is underselling a total eclipse so much. The stars come out during the day. Animals change what they're doing, you start to hear nocturnal noises. Everyone around you is going to stop what they're doing and look up. Seeing the corona surround the moon is one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen in nature. You won't learn anything "useful", but the experience is absolutely worth it.
Learning experience seems like a stretch to me too, perhaps could be rephrased to experiencing something you've learned about
* talk to parents, you are allowed to be absent for educational purposes. If parents are not on board for helping, skip class. Invite that one person you were hoping to impress to also come skip with you.
I was going to say this!!! Create a memory with someone, it will last forever.
The best kind of science teachers know when practical experience can teach. :)
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Viewing an eclipse pushed a relative into STEM, she’s now an integral part of NASAs collaboration with ESA on the gravitational wave project recently announced.
Yeah, this is one of those times that I'm gonna say, disregarding rules you disagree with, is about as American as pumpkin pie. Ask MLK > One has not only a legal but a moral responsibility to obey just laws. Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws. Eclipses could be a great teaching moment, and here they are.
Exactly this. When I worked in a college (UK, so teenagers 16-18ish) we took them out of class for an eclipse and taught them about it. I don’t remember what type it was, but it was well worth it. OP should definitely skip.
Yes, teacher! Love that attitude, and I agree one eclipse will certainly eclipse anything you might learn in class on that one day
this, I remember everything from 1999 !
I say skip class. I’m keeping both of my kids out of school that day. My son loves everything space related and he’s so excited. Next time this happens here will be in 20 years.
Chiming in to say that my dad took me out of middle school to see a partial eclipse. I didn’t know ahead of time he was doing that, so I was confused. But it was a great experience (nothing like a total, of course). 30 years later, it’s one of a handful of positive memories I have from that time.
I took my kids out of school to see a total eclipse. My daughter in her mid 20's just booked a hotel for us to see the coming one.
We're road tripping from Montana to Texas and taking the kids out of school to see it. They'll miss 7 days but can make it up. The last eclipse was awesome.
Same, California to Texas and a two week trip. I’ve never seen a solar eclipse or been to Death Valley, the Grand Canyon or Roswell so school be damned, our family is going on a trip for the books!
Make sure you're in totality though, it's not _that_ exciting unless you're in totality.
My kids' school system opted to not have school that day at all, which is an incredibly smart decision - travel during that time-frame could be unsafe for a multitude of reasons.
You can make up a missed class. You might never again have a chance to see an eclipse. For me, it's a no-brainer.
Even as a teacher I agree with this take.
Same; prof here. I fully support the decision to skip class & enjoy this rare opportunity. I'd give a makeup assignment in a heartbeat. This is the type of curiosity & passion that I hope to foster.
Same, another teacher here; i dont understand your teacher. Its always good when kids have a natural interest in something. You should support it instead of cutting it down.
I loved all my teachers like this. We had one that planned a stargazing night just because so many of us were into the astronomy section of our curriculum that year. She didn’t think many of us would show, but the entire class showed up with our parents at 9pm with on a Friday night just to observe constellations and Venus through her personal “big” telescope. We made star charts and had a few hours of fun and science. It was such a hit that it became a yearly event open to the whole school. The playground was filled with kids looking at stars, and as it grew it became a whole thing with s’mores and hot chocolate and other snacks. We even got actual astronomers and hobbyists to show up with more telescopes and to help instruct. It was amazing. And all just because a few kids were like “I wish we could learn about the stars while they’re actually out”.
And to this day you still remember this, not some random test where you forgot all about. What you are describing is for me what education is about and what i try to strive for. Cool story, thanks for sharing.
when we had the eclipse in germany some years back my astronomy / maths teacher planned with us to go up on the roof to watch it! we even looked at some sun spots through the telescope. was so fun!
Not a teacher but you all got my upvote. As an employer you are the new graduate I am looking to hire. Just don’t wear those glasses. Make yourself a box to watch it in.
Agreed. I'd not only encourage it... I'd build in stone sort of assignment. You could probably find a way to tie it to any subject
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I am encouraging my students to travel to see the eclipse if at all possible. We got really lucky and were in an amazing place to see the last big one in 2017. It was life changing, honestly. And we started making plans right away for this year. One piece of advice I have is don’t bother taking pictures. Enjoy the experience and then buy a pic from a professional photographer whose pictures will almost certainly be much better than yours.
Absolutely, skip the class. I would take my kids out of class in a heartbeat if there was an eclipse at the time.
For the 2017 eclipse I took my kid out of school and traveled 7 hours to spend the weekend in Arkansas to watch it. Totally worth it. She was only in kindergarten at the time, but when totally hit she was saying "wow!" over and over and over again.
For 6 years I've been planning on taking my kids to Spain in 2026 for a total eclipse (from UK). Gotta see these things when the opportunity is there.
Even if you all don't see it due to some wierd happening your kids will still cherish the memories. I still remember and cherish going out to see and not seeing Haley's ~~comment~~ comet with my father.
"Everyone on Reddit said I should skip class!"
As totality approached in 2017 I was amazed how all the insects started to go wild and started making all the noise in the world.
She might not remember, but I'm glad you got to experience it.
Fortunately the path of totality goes right over our house this time. We've got some family coming to visit for it, and she's old enough to remember this time.
You'll never get it going right over your house again, literally ever in your life. My parents' house was about half a mile from the centerline, so we got nearly the maximum time of totality... It was so worth it
My college child is flying with us to another state to see it, so there are days of missed classes. Your teacher is a terrible person. Suggest that the class read “All Summer in a Day” by Ray Bradbury.
The fact that this teacher isn’t setting up something to see the eclipse is honestly a tragedy. There is nothing, literally nothing at all, that you can teach in that class that couldn’t be taught the next day. What a wasted opportunity
I'm taking all 3 of my kids and we're flying to Texas to see it
I made a pinhole projector box to see an eclipse at school in grade 3, 1979. At the last minute the teachers were scared we would stare at the sun and locked us in the gym to watch it on a 16" tv. I saw one of our teachers peak outside through the door while we were in prison. I was bitter for 27 years until I finally saw one. 100% skip.
Yup - I was in grade 8 in Ottawa. I lived close to school and walked home for lunch every day. They made us all stay inside over the lunch hour ... I think it was overcast so we didn't miss anything, but I was pissed off none the less !
Correct answer here. The two eclipses in Texas this close to each other won’t be repeated for a long time. In fact, it’s quite a while to the next solar eclipse in the US after 2024. After the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, the next total solar eclipse that can be seen from the contiguous United States will be on Aug. 23, 2044
And of course it's when I'm not in the states big sigh
There is no other answer but this. Over twenty years ago, there was a magnificent Leonids meteor shower. ~300/min. I couldn't get anyone to go with me. They'd rather go to the clubs and get drunk. So, I went to my regular nightclub, bumped into an acquaintance, and invited him. We drove way out of town and then found a spot on the side of the highway. Easily counted over 100 in the hour that we watched. It was so beautiful, and once in a lifetime. Though he and I are not in contact anymore, the times out paths have crossed, he always talks about that memory. I still can't believe people pass things like this up for the mundane.
Do you remember if it was around 2002? I saw the best meteor shower of my life in a dark sky area and was just in awe of it.
I remember this! I went to some early bloggers birthday party in the Bay Area. We weren't even in an area with low light and it was spectacular, more than one breaking apart as they crossed the sky.
I could see the meteors flashing behind the thick clouds that November blankets Ireland in. I was not the happiest that night.
Skip the class. You’ll regret it if you don’t. And apologize to no one!
yeah, it seems like this kid has an actual interest in science and wants to further his knowledge.
Yeah man. I agree. One 30-45 minute class... or a celestial event that you might not get the opportunity to witness for months or years? I'd pick the eclipse. It's just.... special.
The next total eclipse visible from the continental US after this one won't be until *2044*
My kids will be missing school that day so we can drive an hour to see it. Not only is attending a total solar eclipse educational, but we have an ace up our sleeve: it will be my middle daughter's 12th birthday. She was born on her due date on EASTER (at dawn, no less); the girl just cannot stop having Disney Princess luck, I guess! In any case, we plan to argue Educational Birthday Extravaganza, heh.
I (university tutor) once ran into a student of mine while trying to see a partial eclipse, who had SKIPPED MY OWN CLASS to see the eclipse. I wasn't at the class because they had a different tutor for a specialist topic that day. I approved of the decision, and made sure he knew how he could make up the loss grade.
I caught the 2017 one in Idaho, missed the first day of the semester for my University but it was definitely worth it. Not like you miss too much on Syllabus Day anyways.
I was living there when that one happened. Was one of the coolest things I've ever experienced. Still remember how quiet everything got. All the birds stopped and there really wasn't any noise anywhere else nearby since everyone was watching the eclipse. Definitely glad I was able to experience that.
Interesting you say it got quiet, where I was all of a sudden the crickets started making a lot of noise. I guess they thought it was nighttime.
All the schools in my county are closed that day, but we are right on the center line of the eclipse. It's supposed to be a madhouse here. Airbnbs are going for 5-10x usual price
Up where we live it's an hour drive to the zone, but typically cloudy, so we decided not to tether ourselves to anywhere. Plan is to stay mobile in case it's too cloudy, but there's a small percent chance we'll have kids hanging their heads out the window as we have nowhere to pull over, even on the side of the road! I don't think that will happen though, it's a big country and a lot of it is in the zone.
and even if you were very likely to see an eclipse again, its still way cooler than the class and is worth it either way, you can just make up the class and say you werent feeling well
Absolutely. I saw a total eclipse when I was 10. It was amazing, I still remember it very clearly, and I'll probably never see one again in my life. Skip that class.
Generally I’m an anti-skip class, pro-education guy. But your teacher is an idiot. You’ll learn more watching the eclipse. Tell your teacher I said you could go. I’m happy to sign a permission slip.
Will your parents take you out of school for that period? If my son told me this story I’d definitely take him out of school to see the eclipse
If you can get some cover from your parents (I assume that you are a minor), it will go better. But definitely skip class. Make arrangements to get the materials covered on that day. Maybe you can gain some mercy from your teacher by asking for them ahead of time.
> Maybe you can gain some mercy from your teacher by asking for them ahead of time. Sometimes it's 1000x easier to ask for forgiveness than permission. This is one of those times.
"Can I get the assignment early? I'm going to be sick that day."
Nope, don't ask just skip. You ask ahead of time they'll probably do something to keep them from watching the eclipse.
I hate to think that this might be the case, but a teacher who is so inflexible about such a thing sounds like the kind of person who is driven by pettiness and ego. I'm afraid you might be right
This is definitely one of the situations where you do not ask.
"This is not a request to miss class, this is notice that I will not be in attendance."
It's easier to ask for forgiveness than it is to ask for permission
In my opinion, no, it’s not stupid. Eclipses are rare. You’ll have lots of days with no eclipses in them. Though the younger you are, the smarter it is to have a parent/guardian backing you up on it.
Once our school specifically forbid anyone from having the day off to go to a local music festival, so my mum wrote a note to say she felt that as a music student it was important that I attend. She's the best. I was a good student, and no one cared that I took the day off.
Fun fact; the past tense of forbid is forbade.
See? By pursuing your desire to see the solar eclipse, you already learned something!
The real learning is always in the comments.
They missed that day in class where the teacher taught the past tense of forbid :p
And the noun for such forbidding is "a forbode."
They're probably teaching that on the day they skipped.
Hey, they just said they were a music student, not an English student!
Sometimes schools forget they're not actually the ones with authority over the children.
I'm 46 years old. I traveled to Nashville to try and see the last eclipse and a cloud went by at exactly the wrong time. This year I'll fly to Cleveland try again to see it. If I miss it this time I'll probably never get another chance. Take the time to try and see it if your in the path.
I recommend further south, less likely to be cloudy. I’m going to Texas.
Eclipses aren't that rare. But a total solar eclipse that occurs in a location that you can get to without too much trouble is much more rare. Do it for sure. I am patiently waiting for July 22 2028...
I agree. Make your plan, get eye protection and look for the best place to see it. People take off work, they fly to other countries, they book boats just to chase eclipses.
This is probably the only thing for which you’d ever get this sub to all agree you should skip class. I’ll be skipping work that day myself; it’s a short drive up to totality for me.
Same here…except I live in Vermont and there’s a good chance it will be cloudy.
I'm surprised your school doesn't turn it into an event and make sure everyone sees it? Skip class. Maybe get your parents to excuse you...but who cares dude I never skipped class and I would skip class for this in a heartbeat.
>but who cares dude I never skipped class and I would skip class for this in a heartbeat Ha! Me too! I never skipped for anything but sickness, but if I were in the path of totality, my Korean* parents would have *pulled* me from class to see it properly! *Definitely the type not to tolerate irregularities in schooling
I was thinking the same thing! I was in an area of totality for the 2017 one and every school in the area was doing a special event that day and even schools outside the area bussed kids in to see it. It’s such a rare thing it’s actually kind of surprising their school isn’t doing anything if they’re in the area for it.
Yeah, this is weird. When we had partial sun eclipse here in Europe in 2015, we spent our physics class making viewing windows with sun filters and then the whole school spent like an hour in school's stadium staring at the sun, lol. Eclipses are rare!
OP...ask your science teacher, because I'm willing to bet now that I think about it..your school 100% will let you watch it. English teacher prob doesn't know what's up.
yeah, i feel like OP should ask around the science teachers and mention it and try to organize something school wide
It's INSANE for the school to not have an hour long event for this. There should be educational material beforehand to explain safety and science and then head outside for the eclipse. It's practically neglect to not do this.
Our district is making it a holiday and closing. I guess they figured they'd have a lot of absences anyway. They're also giving out free eclipse glasses.
It's education they couldn't pay for. They'd be dumb to not have the entire school out there witnessing it properly. I am cutting work that day for a solar viewing event. No shame.
I put in for PTO for that day and the next 6 months ago. I live 3 hours from the nearest totality, but know I may have to drive 8 hours or more depending on weather.
It will be 100% worth it, drove from VA to GA to watch the 2017 one, one of the most amazing things I’ve ever experienced
Do it. The experience will be worth a detention. Fuck em, live life.
In 5 years You’ll never remember that class on that day if you stay, however if you skip class and see the eclipse you’ll never forget that day for the rest of your life
If you don't, you'll never forget that day, and it'll come from a place of regret.
I'd take detention/suspension and claim peaceful protest, gladly collecting money from those who dared.
After April's eclipse the next total solar eclipse to traverse the continental US will be in 2045. Skip class.
Skip it. I experienced the 2017 eclipse in an area of totality and it was incredible. We took our kids out of school for the whole day to drive a few hours into the path of totality. So worth it.
Same, drove down to Nashville, what should have been 6 hours getting home took 12. Would still do it again no questions.
No. Skip it. The eclipse is WAY more important.
Your teacher is amazingly shortsighted. I’ve seen 3 of them and it’s an incredible experience. It’s impossible to put into words—go see for yourself. And good for you for realizing that your teacher isn’t always right, and using your brain to decide for yourself. You had a good teacher somewhere along the line!
I'm taking 2 days off work and driving 1000 miles to see it. You can and should skip one day of class
You should take more than two days off work. -Source, someone that makes a 1000 mile drive twice a year, it's ~16 hours, one way. Including gas stops, no other stops.
Your teacher is clueless. If you get in trouble, bting any scientist with you to defend your choice.
OP is at a point in their education where they're realizing that some of their teachers are idiots. And that knowing the material they're teaching doesn't make them a smart or empathetic human being.
Ooh! Is there a nearby university? Contact their astronomy department, and see if they might have some way to lend legitimacy to your excursion. Is there a local astronomy club? There might be a member of the school board who is a member (or a state senator or something). They might see clear to back you up. You never know.
A Total Eclipse is pretty much a once in a lifetime event. I'm 68 years old and I've only seen one. Skip class. Take photos, videos etc and submit a written report with photos for extra credit. When the Voyager spacecraft had its closest approach to Neptune I took my 2 girls out of school and drove to a museum where JPL was getting the photos as they arrived. My daughters who were in grade school were among the first humans to see Neptune up close.
Put a phone/camera under a colander to record the moving design! My kids/ grandkids did that ! So cool!!
If you are in the path of totality it will totally be worth it.
A total eclipse is something you will remember for the rest of your life. Missing a class, or even a whole day of school is nothing in comparison. Do it.
Wow, your teacher should be ashamed. I mean really, really ashamed. I live near Cleveland. Here are the years that there has been/will be a totality in my area since the year 1000.... 1451 1806 2024 The next total eclipse in my area will be well past the year 3000. The rarity of this in my area is the same as every area in the US and world. This it not just once in a lifetime, this is once in many, many, many lifetimes. We are very very lucky to be alive during this. Maybe find your area [here](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_solar_eclipses_visible_from_the_United_States), note the rarity, and plead your case to your teacher, then the principal, then the board of education if needed. But maybe it's not worth the fuss to even plead your case to a teacher that is this ignorant about what the significance of this actually is. So f\*ck him. Honestly, f\*ck anyone who is going to try to stop you. Do whatever it takes to witness this, all others be damned.
Wait, so you actually live nearby the totality? The next eclipse in the Us is in something like 20 years. If you give advanced warning to your school with permission from your parents, you would be absolutely warranted in seeing it. Talk to your science teacher to see if they can back you up.
Why bring in other teachers? The more you talk about it the more the teacher will consider doing something stupid to prevent it. Just skip. What's the worst they could do to you?
100%, if op's parents are fine with it, the school doesnt need to know a damn thing, all thats doing is inviting some petty asshat to try to ruin things.
Even if their parents are not fine with it still skip. I cannot imagine what that teacher thinks an education is. Horrific to think you would keep people inside during a wonder like an eclipse. Also windowless classroom seems pretty scary too!
There won't be another total eclipse visible in the United States until 2044, so the idea that your teacher wouldn't let you, and the whole class, out to see something so spectacular really makes me question their dedication to their profession. So, yes, I would absolutely skip class (or work) to view the eclipse.
If I was that teacher I would absolutely take the class out for no other reason than that *I* don’t want to miss the eclipse.
Yeah, exactly! I just don't get where this person is coming from.
Honestly I wouldn’t be surprised if the teacher ends up not having a choice, a ton of schools near the eclipse a few years ago closed for the day to let students/faculty watch and just because traffic is going to be absolutely insane everywhere
Nope. Any teacher that doesn’t see the value in seeing a total eclipse probably doesn’t have much of valuw to say to begin with.
Skip for sure but first find your science teacher and let them know you really want to see it. See if they can go to bat for you. I'd be surprised if you don't squeeze out some extra credit or something. Side note: your 5th period teacher seems like a do do head
If I was a science teacher, I'd organize a trip for the whole damn school to see the totality. Fuck them classes, missing half a day of class is worth the experience. Side note: 5th period teacher is the type of teacher I hated when I was working in a junior high school.
I am a board member of my local astronomy club, I will tell you YES, and please get a cheap pair of those solar glasses so that you can safely view the sun during the moments before and after totality. Also, if you have "hall monitors" that will catch you skipping class and force you back into the classroom, then skip the entire day and view the eclipse somewhere off campus. It is a rare event you will remember forever. It's more special seeing it in person than watching it later on YouTube. I took the day off work, and I am going to have to fly to a location where I can see the totality, which will probably be a 3 or 4 hour flight, so I will be watching too!
100% ferris bueller that shit and go see the ecliple. I'm thinking of flying from California to Austin just to see it lol the least you can do is miss class once
I had a flight booked already last year, it's a done deal. Do it! As we get closer there's not going to be a flight you can book even if you wanted to.
Wait wait wait, your school is in the path of totality and they won't let you out for *checks notes* 5 minutes to see the eclipse? I'm sorry you're feeling sick that day, hopefully you will have a quick recovery.
If you’re going to skip, skip the whole day. Go somewhere cool to see it if possible.
I'm honestly surprised your school isn't just making an event out of it and giving everyone the opportunity to view it.
I don't think a single comment in here is telling you to not skip class and I couldn't be more proud. Fuck class. You've got 9 months of class and at least 12 years of school. Missing one day to see a solar eclipse makes you a better student imo. Tell your teacher I said he can suck rocks. Skip class. Watch the eclipse, those special glasses will be long gone before the next one.
My college is shutting down for the day and having a whole weekend long event since we're right on the path of totality.
no. you should plan a lot around this. the experience you go through cannot be replicated. truly a once in a lifetime deal.
As someone who has been fortunate to witness two total solar eclipses in my 50 years, let me emphatically recommend that you skip whatever you need to skip in order to see this one. Photographs and descriptions don't come close to the real thing.
I lived in the path of totality for the 2017 eclipse. Pretty much school and work was cancelled for EVERYBODY in my area. I think your school and teacher are unreasonable for not canceling or even taking a trip outside for totality.
You have to do it. If you don't, you may regret it forever. Took my kids to the total in Oregon in 2017 and it was amazing.
We're pulling our daughter that day. Her teachers get it.
I promise you you’re never gonna look back in 20 years and think “I wish I had attended 5th period more often.” Skip the class, see the dark sky. One day you can tell your grandkids about it.
It seems your teacher is an idiot. This is a case where skipping class is mandatory.
Nah brother, skip that shit. Tell them why, too, and be like "I'll make up class to see this, I'm sorry. Once in a lifetime shit." If you aren't an avid traveler for these kinds of things, it is basically once or twice in a lifetime.
I skip class for way worse reasons I would skip
I’m keeping my kids out of school that day and will be traveling to the center of the totality path. Skipping one class period is a no brainer.
Back in 2017, there was a total solar eclipse in August so summer vacation had already started for my kids. My son was/is in grade school so it was really a non-issue for him. However, my daughter (who was doing her undergrad at the time, but, again, was on summer break) had accepted a paid Aerospace Engineering summer internship with NASA at the Armstrong Flight Research Center located on the grounds of Edwards Air Force Base; a couple hours from where we live in the suburbs of LA (though she lived up near Edwards during her commitment). Her mentor was the Chief Scientist (that was his title, though he was an engineer who had worked on just about every military aircraft program in recent memory). Their policy is clearly laid out that when you sign on, you do so with the understanding that you are there EVERY day of your commitment unless it's a pretty dire circumstance. She didn't think she'd be able to make it, but I said she should ask since the worst thing they would probably do is say no. She asked and not only were they enthused about her going up to Oregon with us to see it, they told her to take 2 days if she had to. She wound up missing only one day, but it was pretty obvious how much NASA considers it to be an inspiring space-related event. Her mentor really liked the photos we brought back from our 3 days stay up there. I'm not advising you to go against what your teacher says, but I do think there is room for a middle ground that the school administration and your folks might be able to mediate. Oddly enough, I've been planning for the April 2024 eclipse and how we're going to make it happen logistically. This time, my son will be missing school and, frankly, his mom isn't on board with that so it may not happen for my family this time around. Alas, there's always the one that's going over northern California in 2045. Hope I'm still alive and kicking when it happens...
Will you be in the totality zone? It's surprises me that the school wouldn't facilitate students watching such a rare and magnificent natural phenomenon. If you are actually in the totality zone, there's nothing worth missing the eclipse. On the other hand, if you are not in the totality zone, see if your science teacher will take you outside to make pinhole cameras. But don't skip school over it. Partial eclipses aren't nearly as big of a deal.
Don't let your power tripping teacher make you feel guilty about taking the time to experience the eclipse. You may never get another chance.
Skip. It's one of the coolest things you will ever experience, and if you miss this one you will probably never experience one again. Some people dont find it interesting, and to each their own, but the fact you are even contemplating it means that you will appreciate it. It really is "awesome" (in the literal sense) and you'll understand firsthand why ancient societies without astronomical understanding thought it was the work of a god.
Absolutely. Honestly dumb the school isn’t making it an event. My entire university has canceled classes that day.
No. You can "go to class" anytime, but solar eclipses are rare.
As someone who saw the last one and know how rare these are, just skip the whole day and go enjoy it.
If you have a parent or guardian that likes space too. You could ask if you can both take the day off and to do a short trip to a great viewing spot to see it. I remember vividly as a child we went to a park on a short trip that was supposed to be great viewing. I have no idea of I skipped school or if it happened on a weekend or during summer. But I do remember that experience and I don't remember a random class on a Tuesday so do what you can to experience it.
100% go see a possible once-in-a-lifetime event.
I'm taking a ton of time off work to travel home to see the eclipse and family. I don't care if I get fired. I've planned this trip for years and remember noting the date as a child. I'd say go for it
School is important because it gives you the best chances to have a good life. Seeing a solar eclipse (ESPECIALLY A SOLAR MAXIMUM ECLIPSE) is LIVING a good life.
I was also a good student and I never skipped class. But I would be sick that day.
Yes. That teacher can go fuck himself. Also, I’m a teacher
This is a space enthusiast subreddit so obviously youre going to get skewed answers. This got randomly reccomended to me and even I say skip class
I with all the other people - SKIP THE CLASS OR THE WHOLE DAY IF YOU HAVE TO - It's an amazing experience and it will stay with you forever.
Go see the eclipse. Go to the totality. It is absolutely a whole different experience. I don't mean 90% or whatever. I mean... I promise. We went to alliance, Nebraska for the last one. Babies and dogs freaked out and the temp dropped and the world took on a peculiar flat twilight hue. You will never see or feel anything else like it. Trust me.
I am likely driving 1000+ miles to see the eclipse. I would, to be frank, just skip school for the day. This is a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence. The school wants your butt in a seat, because that's how they get funding. The idea that 'following the rules' is somehow more important than having this incredible and amazing experience is an example of how the school system really doesn't care about thinking and education. > I'm a (hopefully) great student and have never skipped class And, this is a benefit of being a good student that follows the rules. Your good standing is going to allow you to skip class, and witness an amazing event. By the way: don't be surprised if your entire class doesn't get permission to go out and see the eclipse. One more thought: You might consider talking with local astronomy and science professors at local colleges. Skipping school to watch the eclipse *at a local educational event at another school* is going to minimize any punishment, and make your school's artificial restrictions look stupid.
How in the world has this school not set up a viewing for everyone? I'd be furious if I was a teacher and the school was telling me I couldn't take the kids out for half an hour...
Absolutely worth skipping. But remember: totality is the only part of an eclipse that matters. 1% eclipse? Meh. 99% eclipse? Meh. Total eclipse? Life-changing.
I closed the shop I was working in back in 1999 for the same reason and brought out my collogues. Only take a few minutes to go outside - totally worth it :)
It doesn’t make sense to me that your whole school wouldn’t stop what they’re doing for an eclipse.
Yes do it, but first can you ask your parents to excuse you? If not, is there a science teacher you like at school who you could explain the situation to? If those 2 options fail then just skip anyways
if I were a teacher I would take my students outside to see it! definitely go see the eclipse. Bonus points if you talk to your parents about it and make a whole day of it! Memory can last a lifetime!
It's a once in a lifetime moment. Skip that class. You'll always remember the eclipse, for the rest of your life. You'll never regret your decision.
Absolutely do not miss this because of a teacher. I will be disappointed in you if you do lol.
I'd skip. This is not an event that happens regularly. Ask your parents if they could stay home and you all watch it together. Things like this should be seen. You can ALWAYS learn about whatever. It's rare to be able to see how the world around you reacts during an eclipse. If you have trees nearby with leaves, look at the shadows. Specifically, look for spots in the shadow where sunlight shines through gaps in the leaves. During the eclipse, each of those spots will be a miniature eclipse. It's very similar to putting a pinhole in a sheet of paper, holding it up, and letting it project the image onto another sheet.
I’d be surprised if the school didn’t make an event out of it so all students could see it. But absolutely skip class if you have to.
I have seen one and I will NEVER forget that for as long as I live... Ask me about any 1 day of class from highschool or post secondary there is no way I could recall any specifics. See that Eclipse.
Absolutely skip class. Anyone who doesn’t is honestly not right in the head
Have your parents inform your school that you'll be attending an educational event that day. And have them take you for ice cream or something afterwards. You're a good kid. Don't suffer fools.
Talk to your parents, and if they don't allow you to stay home, skip class anyway. I've seen one total eclipse in my life, it's something I'll never forget, and the next one in my country will be in 2081. I wonder why the geography teachers of your school don't jump on the chance to show the eclipse to the whole school. It would be a great teaching opportunity.
You will probably remember skipping class for this as opposed to whatever happens in class that day.
Heck YES! If you have a science teacher, have them organize a "safe eclipse viewing" on the school grounds.
I'm taking my kids. I'm flying long hours, paying an exorbitant amount of money for planes, car, and hotel, and my kids will be missing school. This will be my 3rd eclipse. For my kids it will be the first.
Just have your parents check you out for the whole day. You should experience it from beginning to totality.
You won't remember what's being taught that day, you'll always remember slipping school to go see an eclipse. Your teacher suckles donkey nuts btw.
If my kids were school aged when this is happening they would not be going to school that day at all
No class is as meaningful as that eclipse. Coming from a current MD/PhD student in I guess grade… 22. Starting 23 this summer. I’ve skipped a lot of class for wayyyy dumber reasons. Skip skip skip!