Our very own 4th Grade Learning Expert Teacher (LET), Mr. Chris, recently embarked on an astronomical adventure! Traveling with his family to Gatesville, Texas, he experienced the awe-inspiring phenomenon of a total solar eclipse and shares it with us here. Mr. Chris’s dedication to this experience reflects his passion for learning and exploration. He brings this same energy to the classroom every day, inspiring his students and colleagues.
A Glimpse Through Mr. Chris’s Lens
A passionate amateur astronomer, Mr. Chris meticulously planned this trip for a year. Witnessing totality for a breathtaking 4 minutes and 15 seconds was an experience he won’t soon forget. While we can’t fully replicate the magic of the moment, Mr. Chris brings his infectious enthusiasm to life through incredible photos and an engaging video. Read on to hear his first-hand account.
This week, a rare celestial event cast a shadow over our part of the world – the awe-inspiring total solar eclipse of 2024! I hope everyone had a chance to safely observe this remarkable phenomenon.
For me, the experience transcended mere observation. I had the incredible fortune of traveling with my family to Gatesville, Texas, where we witnessed totality unfold on a quiet country road, nestled between a cow farm and an army base. Being just outside the direct path, we were still treated to an unforgettable 4 minutes and 15 seconds of complete darkness.
I’m excited to share some photos and a video with you, including some stunning close-ups captured by my dad’s telescope. You’ll see details like Baily’s Beads and the sun’s corona, which the telescope rendered in an almost mythical green hue, although that is not the actual color.
In the video, you might hear us mention seeing solar flares. While scientists haven’t recorded any flares during this eclipse, what we witnessed were actually solar prominences – massive, long-lasting structures on the sun’s surface. The largest one in our photos is a staggering 3.5-4 times the diameter of Earth!
The sudden drop in temperature and the eerie darkness during totality were truly striking. We had planned to observe the cows’ reactions, but once it hit, we were too busy being awestruck! It was an experience filled with pure wonder and excitement.
Sharing this experience isn’t just about how amazing it was, but also about encouraging you to chase your own astronomical adventure. While total eclipses are rare in North America, they occur more frequently elsewhere. Check out this website to explore the next 15 total solar eclipses. If you ever get the chance to witness totality, don’t hesitate! It’s an experience you won’t forget.
Happy stargazing!
You can meet passionate teachers like Mr. Chris at our upcoming Open Houses and admissions events – learn more. He is also hosting a Nature & the City summer program at BASIS Independent Manhattan Lower School – view details and register here.
BASIS Independent Silicon Valley Lower organized its first TK and Kindergarten field trip, taking our youngest learners to Lemos Farm Pumpkin Patch in Half Moon Bay. As it was their first field trip, this outing provided a valuable educational opportunity for our students outside of the classroom where they had the chance to explore, build on friendships, and expand on their experiences. With seventy-eight students, twelve staff members, and eight parent chaperones in tow, the day was packed with exciting adventures.
Upon arrival, everyone split into groups to explore the farm. Students had a variety of options to choose from including a giant slide, a petting zoo, barnyard jump houses, and, of course, picking out their own pumpkin to take home.
After visiting many farm attractions, students reconvened for lunch and then set out again to explore the farm. They built a house out of pumpkins, jumped on hay bales, and enjoyed the playground rocking horses. Our teachers and chaperones did an amazing job ensuring everyone was safe and having a great time.
“Today was all about fun, learning, and making memories. Seeing the kids so happy and engaged made it a fantastic day,” expressed Dean of Students, Mr. Bosley. “It was a great community builder for our youngest scholars and a fun autumn learning opportunity. I am so happy to have shared this experience with such a wonderful group of students.”
After spending quite some time on the playground, our students headed home with pumpkins in tow. It was a day of simple joys, new experiences, and friendships, marking a perfect start to the autumn season for our youngest learners.
Nearly two years ago our Cub Community moved into a brand new Lower School campus, PreK – Grade 2, at 405 Gold Street in Downtown Brooklyn. The campus was deliberately designed to support the growth of our youngest learners. Now we are pleased to share that the Downtown Brooklyn Alliance is in the final stages of building a brand-new park right across the street.
The lovely new 1.15-acre site of outdoor space is nestled between Gold, Willoughby, and Duffield Streets right across the street from our school. Designed by landscape architecture firm Hargreaves Jones, plans include a new playground, lawn space, dog park, ornamental plantings, and multiple seating areas.
The neighboring green space will be a wonderful resource for recess breaks, and families will be able to enjoy a convenient playtime after school.
Rendering of Abolitionist Place by Hargreaves Jones
In the meantime, one of the most popular spaces at the Lower School campus is the Bear’s Den — a huge indoor play space completed with rock climbing walls, areas for soccer games, and a theater. Recess breaks are an important way to break up our school day, and the Bear’s Den paired with trips to nearby Fort Greene Park have been wonderful ways to get the wiggles out for our Cubs.
Our team of staff and educators are watching the progress of the park daily. Now the play structures have been installed, and the trees are being planted. The grand opening for the park is slated for March 2024, and our community will come out in full force to support all those who made it possible.
Our very own 4th Grade Learning Expert Teacher (LET), Mr. Chris, recently embarked on an astronomical adventure! Traveling with his family to Gatesville, Texas, he experienced the awe-inspiring phenomenon of a total solar eclipse and shares it with us here. Mr. Chris’s dedication to this experience reflects his passion for learning and exploration. He brings this same energy to the classroom every day, inspiring his students and colleagues.
