Discover the Total Solar Eclipse of 1900 in Historic Wadesboro, North Carolina: A Lightning Lesson from Teaching with Historic Places

British Astronomical Association with their equipment in
Wadesboro, NC.

Events like a total solar eclipse have made humans tremble with curiosity, wonder, and fear for millennia. Our civilizations developed science, philosophy, and mathematics to make sense of the universe and to explore our place in it.

On May 28, 1900, a solar eclipse passed over North America. The line of totality crossed directly over the town of Wadesboro, North Carolina. Founded in 1783 by Revolutionary War patriots, the town was a major cotton producer for global markets in the 19th century. Cotton trade faded, but in the early 20th century, the totality event of 1900 transformed Wadesboro into a hotspot for science.

The era’s foremost astronomers anticipated the event and knew Wadesboro would be a prime spot to study it. Wadesboro’s location, climate, and geographical features promised scientists a clear view. Its citizens welcomed the visitors into their homes. In this STEAM lesson, discover the role historic Wadesboro played in humankind’s journey to understand our universe.

Click on the image for the full lesson plan.

Essential Question

What is a “total solar eclipse”? What historic place might you study to answer this question?

Objective

Objectives for students
1. Explain what a solar eclipse is and describe ways humans experience the event
2. Identify Wadesboro, North Carolina's location on map and explain why scientists chose it as a place to study the total solar eclipse of 1900
3. Demonstrate understanding of a topic covered in an optional activity about global perspectives, eclipse physics, and civic engagement with night skies.

Background

Time Period: Early 20th century
Topics/Themes: This lesson could be used in middle and high school units relating to topics of astronomy, geography, citizen science, and the history of modern science.

Full Lesson Plan