Glowing Constellations

1. Students choose a fascinating constellation to research. Use pictures to help design an accurate bas-relief replica of the constellation. If students need more than one session to complete the project, just keep the pieces in a resealable plastic container.
2. Cover the inside of a produce tray with a thin layer of Crayola Model Magic® compound.
3. In a contrasting Model Magic color, shape the image of the constellation, such as the dog for Canis Major. Press it on the background. Attach small Model Magic balls to the constellation image where the stars are located.
4. Create a fun and funky Model Magic border to make your project distinctive. Shape small Model Magic charms for more accents. Poke holes in them for stringing with a straw. Model Magic® dries to the touch overnight and dries completely in 2 to 3 days.
5. Tie the charms with ribbon. Attach them to the back of the bas-relief work with Crayola School Glue. Air-dry the glue.
6. Use Crayola Glitter Glue to mark the lines between the stars and to decorate your border and charms. Air-dry the glue.
7. Create a name-plate for the display with Crayola Markers on construction paper. Attach it to the project.

LA: Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension.

LA: Draw on information from multiple print or digital sources, demonstrating the ability to locate an answer to a question quickly or to solve a problem efficiently.

LA: Conduct short research projects that use several sources to build knowledge through investigation of different aspects of a topic.

LA: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.

LA: Report on a topic or text, tell a story, or recount an experience in an organized manner, using appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details to support main ideas or themes; speak clearly at an understandable pace.

SCI: Identify evidence that supports explanations for how the position of stars, constellations, and planets in the sky change in consistent patterns as the Earth rotates and orbits the sun along with the other planets.

SCI: Communicate information of how technology has improved over time to increase our ability to see objects and make scientific discoveries about the universe.

VA: Intentionally take advantage of the qualities and characteristics of art media, techniques, and processes to enhance communication of experiences and ideas.

VA: Select and use the qualities of structures and functions of art to improve communication of ideas.

VA: Integrate visual, spatial, and temporal concepts with content to communicate intended meaning in artwork.

Possible classroom resources include: A Child's Introduction to the Night Sky: The Story of the Stars, Planets, and Constellations--and How You Can Find Them in the Sky by Michael Driscoll; Zoo in the Sky: A Book of Animal Constellations by Jacqueline Mitton; The Book of Constellations: Discover the Secrets in the Stars by Robin Kerrod

What is an astronomer? Students investigate the career of a famous astronomer and his career highlights. Organize research into an electronic format in preparation for class viewing.

Students research the history of constellations. What culture(s) first identified these artworks in the sky? Approximately when? Investigate legends associated with one or more constellations.

What is a telescope? Who invented this technology? How have improvements in this technology helped to increase human knowledge of space and the constellations?