Solar flare-up: Lecce says eclipse a chance to inspire interest in science [Video]

Ontario’s education minister says a rare, total solar eclipse that will be visible over parts of the province in April should be a “teachable moment” for children as school boards rearrange schedules to shut down during the event.

Some school boards, including Toronto, have moved professional development days for staff to make sure students are off during the eclipse. That is a move the education minister has said he is OK with.

One school system — the York District School Board — plans to dismiss classes early and reduce teaching time to avoid the eclipse clashing with the end of school. Lecce has previously said he is “not comfortable” with the decision to close.

On Thursday, the education minister said other people would work on the day of the eclipse and teachers should be no different.

“Every citizen on earth will be showing up to work … every front-line worker from transit to nurses will be going to work …