Starry Names

crayola supplies

Gel Markers
Construction Paper

household supplies

none

Why

Constellations have universal appeal! With Starry Names, kids see themselves in their rendition of a starry night sky.

Steps

1. Look at pictures of constellations, or watch the night sky. Notice that the constellation images in the sky are a series of stars that are visually connected much like a connect-the-dot puzzle.
2. To make your own Starry Name, fold black paper in half. On the front, use lightly colored Crayola Gel Markers to make a series of closely spaced dots to spell your name. Enlarge the dots to look like stars.
3. Include smaller stars, as well as planets, in the areas around your name, using additional colors.

When & Where

"My nephew has always wanted to see the Northern Lights. When he made his Starry Name, he felt a little closer to that goal."
- Frank F., astronomer and uncle.

"Kids in our neighborhood play group are learning to spell their names. Gel markers were an instant hit."
- Rachel H., mother of 4-year-old.

Interesting Info

Many ancient cultures saw pictures in the sky. The earliest known documents related to cataloging the stars date back to cuneiform texts, 6000 years ago.