Constellation-Map Column

Constellation-Map Column craft

The stars are in reach with this sparkling map of your favorite constellations. Capture the brilliance of planets or a meteor shower!

  • 1.

    To begin your Points of Light project, research the constellations in the sky over your home (or choose somewhere else). Constellations change during the year. Some constellations, which are imaginary illustrations that show the locations of certain stars, seem to be images of animals or mythological characters. Choose your favorite constellation.

  • 2.

    On dark construction paper, use Crayola® Metallic Colored Pencils to draw your favorite constellation. Place large dots where each star in the constellation is located. When you have marked the stars, add lines that show the picture the constellation forms. Add other details to further illustrate your constellation, such as lines for star light or a glowing moon.

  • 3.

    From the back of the paper, use a sharp colored pencil to push holes through the paper where your stars are. Make holes large enough that light will show through them.

  • 4.

    Bring the short edges of your paper together to create a cylinder. Seal the edge with a Crayola Glue Stick.

  • 5.

    Place the cylinder on top of another piece of dark paper, and trace around the circular opening. Remove the cylinder, then draw four tabs on the outside of the circle. These will be used to attach the circle to your cylinder. Cut out the tabbed circle with Crayola Scissors.

  • 6.

    Fold over the tabs. Glue them to the inside of your constellation cylinder.

  • 7.

    Turn on a flashlight. Place your finished cylinder over it. Carefully turn off the lights to see your favorite constellation glow in the dark.