Ridgetop Adventist Elementary School (RAES) was in the path of totality as the great American eclipse swept across the country on August 21, 2017. Most Nashville, Tenn., area schools were closed that day, but the RAES staff could not possibly let such an amazing educational opportunity pass by. Instead, they decided to turn that day into an Eclipse Party! Enough eclipse glasses were ordered for all of the students, school personnel, and plenty of guests. The days immediately before the eclipse were spent making pinhole viewers, learning about shadow bands and Bailey’s Beads, and studying the orbital mechanics that make a total eclipse possible.
On the morning of the eclipse, there was great anticipation as approximately 60 students, church members, and guests watched the news reports from the West Coast, and kept an anxious eye on the cloud cover in middle Tennessee. Two guests drove all the way from California just for the eclipse! Along with various games and activities, David Garner had prepared a very interesting eclipse presentation for the guests. Everyone snacked on eclipse themed treats like Moon Pies, Capri-Sun, Sun Chips, and Eclipse gum. At 1:26 p.m., a treat of two minutes and thirty-four seconds of totality, complete with a beautiful diamond ring effect and Bailey’s Beads, began.
The eclipse was just the tiniest taste of the intricate marvels of God’s universe. It was such a blessing to have had this phenomena right at the front door. Everyone can look forward to having an eternity to study the universe with Him.
Kentucky-Tennessee | October 2017
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