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Lesson Plan Image

Constant Constellations

Explore the nighttime sky and create an image of a constellation.

Lesson Plan

Supplies Needed

Gather all the supplies needed to bring your craft ideas to life! From paints and markers to glue and scissors, our crafts section has everything to spark creativity and make every project truly special.

Steps

  • Step 1

    Introduce the subject of astronomy and constellations. Explain that astronomy is a science that studies objects in the sky and the the phenomena that occur in the cosmos. Note some of the objects of interest, such as planets, stars, galaxies, comets, etc.

  • Step 2

    Ask students if they're familiar with or have ever viewed any constellations - perhaps Ursa Major (the big dipper), Ursa Minor (the little dipper), Orion, or any others. Display images of some constellations. Explain that the stars are always out, but that they are hard to see during daylight.

  • Step 3

    Have students recreate a constellation and other celestial highlights using crayons and glitter glue on black construction paper. Ask them to find out how the constellation got its name.

  • Step 4

    Have them present their work to the class and talk about what they learned about it.

Standards

SCI: Ask questions about the features of phenomena observed and conclusions drawn from investigations or models.

SCI: Convey designs through sketches, detailed drawings, or physical models to communicate ideas and solutions.

Adaptations

Encourage students to try to find and identify constellations in the night sky.

If there is a local astronomy group or club, invite them to come and set up a telescope on the school grounds and have families come and observe the night sky together.