Evanston students captivated by spectacle – NBC Chicago

Learning about solar and lunar eclipses has always been a part of the curriculum for eighth-grade science students at Nichols Middle School in Evanston.

But seeing one in person was not the case.

“They are so lucky to be able to show them an eclipse that is very, very close to the total. It’s one of the most interesting phenomena you can observe,” said eighth-grade science teacher Ben Apter.

“Absolutely (it’s) a dream,” he added.

The class took to the school lawn at midday, sunglasses in hand, to observe the celestial event.

At its peak, “oohs” and “ahhs” were heard from students.

“I love it,” said student Anna Naidech. “The textbooks are amazing. They serve their purpose, but being able to see them in real life is cooler than I can imagine. »

Others had similar thoughts.

“I think it’s so cool to think about the fact that I’m part of the generation that can see it, and in my early years, where I’ll be able to remember it and appreciate it,” said Bella Henderson, fellow class of Naidech.

Evanston was not on the path to totality; students therefore had to temper their expectations.

“I expected it to be like pitch black. My expectations got a little high,” said another student, Zyra Ali-Frazier.

They were surprised, however, by the cold air and sharp shadows as the science lesson came to life before their eyes.

Earlier this year, the class visited the Adler Planetarium and learned about how and why an eclipse occurs.

Seeing the midday twilight in person was an extremely rare treat.

“I feel lucky. I won’t get to see this for 20 years. That’s a long time to wait,” said student Noah Swift.