Research the stories behind the constellations in the night sky and then connect the stars to see them for yourself!

• 1.

  Constellations are groups of stars in the sky that form pictures. Many of these pictures are based on mythology of ancient cultures. What constellations do you know? Can you find any constellations in the night sky?

• 2.

  There are 88 officially recognized constellations. Research these with your class to find examples. What stories are associated with the constellations you find? What stars form each constellation? Share your results with the class.

• 3.

  Now see if you can recognize the stars that form each constellation. Project a large image of the night sky onto the class whiteboard. Using Crayola Dry-Erase Markers or Dry-Erase Crayons, connect the stars to form a constellation! Can you find the North Star? If so, you should be able to identify the Little Dipper!

• 4.

  Take turns with the other students in your class. Erase the whiteboard, and let someone else try to find a constellation! Can you find all 88 constellations?

Benefits

• Students research constellations to find examples of them, the stories they represent, and the stars that form each.
• Students recognize stars that make up each constellation.
• Students demonstrate their ability to identify constellations by correctly connecting stars that form a constellation.

Adaptations

• Create your own constellation! Identify a group of stars that form a picture or symbol. On a sheet of black paper, use Crayola Gel Markers to illustrate your constellation in the night sky. Write a brief story to accompany the constellation and explain it
• Stay alert as your classmates identify constellations on the whiteboard. Are the stars in the group correct for that constellation? Are any stars missing from the constellation? What is the story that explains that picture in the sky?