Identify And Construct A Constellation

The student will identify and name the constellation.

 The student will make a constellation  using a shoebox, paper cup or transparent paper.

This lesson is designed for students in the 3rd  grade.

Directions to construct a constellation:   

      1.  Shoebox, scissors, box cutter, flashlight and batteries, glue, tape, stapler, black construction paper, sharpened pencil or nail, newspaper.

•  Select a constellation pattern.  
•  Label the sides of the shoe box a, b,  c,  d,  (a should be opposite b)
•  On the side labeled  'a' cut  an opening  for the flashlight (it should fit snuggly). 
•  On the side labeled 'b' cut out a rectangular shape (size to be determined by the size of shoe box). 
•  Secure the top of the shoebox  (after openings have been cut). 
•  Cut a piece of construction paper to cover the opening on side 'b'. 
•  Place the constellation pattern on top of the construction paper. 
•  With the pencil  (or other sharp object)  punch out the star pattern. 
•  Remove the constellation  pattern. 
•  Place and secure the construction paper to side 'b' of the shoe box. 
•  Slip the flashlight through the opening in side 'a' turn it on. 
•  Point side 'a' to a wall in a darkened room. 
•  Try to identify the constellation of a classmate.

•  Select a constellation. 
•  Cut off botton of  paper cup. 
•  Cut a piece of construction paper to  cover the top of the paper cup. 
•  Place the constellation pattern on top of the construction paper. 
•  With the pencil point (or other sharp object) punch out the star pattern. 
•  Remove the constellation pattern.        
•  Place and secure the construction paper to the top of the cup. 
•  Slip the flashlight through the bottom opening of the cup.
•  Turn on the flashlight.
•  Point the top of the cup to a wall in a darkened room.

      3.  Transparent paper, glow in the dark glue or paint. 

• Select a constellation.  
• Place the constellation pattern under a sheet of transparent paper.  
• Put a dot of paint or glue at each star point of the constellation.
• Remove the constellation pattern.
• Hold up the transparent paper.
• Turn off the lights.
• Constellation will glow in the dark.

http://sohowww.nascom.nasa.gov/ Gives a lesson about the Sun.

http://btc.montana.edu/ceres/ Gives a lesson on the Universe

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