CONSTELLATION
by
Barbara J. Hill
This
lesson was created as a part of the SMART
website and is hosted by the Illinois Institute of
Technology
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.
2. Paper cup, scissor, box cutter, flashlight and
batteries, glue tape, stapler,black construction paper, sharpened pencil or
nail,newspaper.
- 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
Back to the SMART home page.