Found! Constellations in Outer Space
Calling all star gazers! Create your own constellation. Hang it in a window so light shines through your stars.
1. Have you ever looked at groups of stars at night and seen how they form shapes? Long ago, astronomers and travelers remembered the placement of stars by recognizing their patterns. These patterns were easier to remember if they looked like animals, gods and goddesses, or other familiar images. That's how the names of groups of stars (constellations) came about.
2. Find the names of several constellations. Look at diagrams of images astronomers found in the sky. Can you see the Big and Little Dippers? What other constellations capture your curiosity?
3. Choose your favorite constellation. On black construction paper, use a white or yellow Crayola® Twistables to draw a dashed outline of the animal, person, or other object astronomers see in the sky. Create your own constellation if you like.
4. Use the same crayon to make dots for the locations of the main stars and planets in your constellation.
5. Use Crayola Scissors to carefully cut several intersecting slits on each star or planet. Make bigger slits for important stars and smaller slits for less important ones. Push the slits open from the back of your paper. The shapes are very star-like.
6. Decorate the star-slits with a small amount of Crayola Glitter Glue for a sparkling effect. Dry.
7. Use your Twistables to write the name of the constellation on your paper. Label each of the important stars or planets.
8. Finish your Outer Space constellation with a cut-paper border. Glue pieces around the edge of your art with a Crayola Glue Stick.
9. Hold your project up to a bright light or window to see the placement of your stars.
Adult supervision is required for any arts & crafts project. Observe children closely and intervene as necessary to prevent potential safety problems and ensure appropriate use of arts and crafts materials. Some craft items, particularly beads and buttons, are potential choking hazards for young children. Avoid use of such small parts with children younger than 3 years. Craft items such as scissors, push pins and chenille sticks may have sharp points or edges. Avoid use of materials with sharp points by children younger than 4 years. Read all manufacturers' safety warnings before using arts and craft supplies.
Glitter Glue—
WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD—Small parts. Not for children under 3 years. Not for use on skin.
Scissors—ATTENTION: The cutting edges of scissors are sharp and care should be taken whenever cutting or handling. Blunt-tip scissors should be used only by children 4 years and older. Pointed-tip scissors should be used only by children 6 years and older.
Stacks & Stacks of Colors!
Locker Magnet Picture Frames
Crayons: Sink or Swim?
