Students getting ready for solar eclipse

ATLANTA - You don't have to have special glasses to see the eclipse. There are other ways to enjoy the eclipse experience.

Some north Georgia students are learning all about it. The solar eclipse is now just four days away and classrooms all across north Georgia are preparing for this rare and unique learning opportunity.

Solar eclipse glasses are in high demand, especially for schools trying to accommodate hundreds of students and faculty.

Students at Hopewell Middle School are fortunate that eclipse glasses were generously donated. Even so, eighth-grade science teacher Steve Jones is not wasting this opportunity to teach his students about other safe ways to view the eclipse.

"So what we made today was a pinhole projector," said Jones. "And what we did is cut a hole in one end of it, and covered it with aluminum foil. And then just poked a small little hole."

Using simple things you likely have around your home:  a box, aluminum foil, and a white sheet of paper.  You start with the box:

Then, a white sheet of paper is added inside on the opposite end as a reflective surface.

"I want you to take that piece of paper, and I want you to tape it on the end of it," said Jones.

Finally, a hole is cut into the box on the side so that you can look in and see the projection of the eclipse in the safest way possible indirectly.

"And what you do is, you put this hole towards the sun, which should be behind you, and then you look through this hole, and you should be able to see the thin prick of light in there," Jones added.

Now that students are all set with two safe ways to view the eclipse, principal Michael LeMoyne is eager to share this day with them.

"You know, you're always looking for opportunities to connect what you're learning inside the four walls of a classroom," said LeMoyne. "And to be able to leave those four walls and go see it actually happening is really exciting."

In order to do so, many school districts in north Georgia, including Hopewell, will send students home a little later than usual.

"By delaying the dismissal a little bit, we are able to make sure all of our students can be in school when the event is happening," said LeMoyne

And they hope that ensures the safety of curious eyes that may not be protected if students are trying to catch a glimpse from the school bus on the way home.