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| Paper: |
Community Based Solar Eclipse Outreach in Rural Appalachia |
| Volume: |
516, Celebrating the 2017 Great American Eclipse: Lessons Learned from the Path of Totality |
| Page: |
77 |
| Authors: |
Keesee, A. M.; Williamson, K.; Robertson-Honecker, J. |
| Abstract: |
To take advantage of the ∼90% coverage partial eclipse in West Virginia, the West Virginia University (WVU) Physics & Astronomy Department and Extension Service developed a statewide outreach program that utilized multiple avenues to engage learners. In rural areas, access to science can be particularly limited, so we took a unique approach to eclipse outreach by leveraging the tight-knit culture of Appalachian communities. Through online training and youth 4-H camps throughout the state, we worked to prepare educators during the summer before the eclipse so they were empowered to teach and host their own local viewing events on the day of the eclipse. Here we describe how this distributed outreach model allowed us to bring “The Great American Eclipse” to over 50,000 West Virginians. Our results and lessons learned will be helpful for others planning community engagement for upcoming eclipses in South America, Asia, and Africa in the next few years as well as in North America in 2024. |
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