Marching into the school library, students, and teachers at Fairview Elementary School couldn't contain their enthusiasm, eager to learn more about the upcoming total solar eclipse.

"What are you most excited about?," kindergartener Elliot O'Neil was asked. "Well, pretty much everything!," he said.

"That the Earth is going to have a really big shadow on it," said first-grade student Lincoln Fuller.

"I'm excited because we won't be able to see it for a long time," said first-grade student Milena Lasky.

Gannon University physics professor Dr. David Horne visited the school to share his passion for science, his vast knowledge of astronomy, and some tips for staying safe while experiencing totality.

"We want to make sure during these times you wear glasses," said Dr. Horne. "We want you to enjoy the eclipse experience but be safe."

The kids listened closely as Dr. Horne told them that Erie will be the only city in Pennsylvania to experience totality, producing the most spectacular eclipse of the sun many will see in their lifetime. They had a lot of questions.

"What happens if you look at the sun during the eclipse and you don't have glasses on?"

"If you're going to look toward the sun, the sun is really bright," said Dr. Horne. "That's not good for your eyes."

Gannon University provided each of the students with a pair of ISO-approved eclipse glasses, and Dr. Horne showed the kids the proper way to use them on April 8th.

"I learned to look down, put glasses, and then look back up," said first-grade student Milena Lasky.

With that knowledge, the sea of students now feels ready for this rare event.

"Do you feel like you're ready for it?," Lasky was asked. "Yeah!," she said.