Anne Kennedy, Hisperia Unified S.D., Hisperia, CA
MAPPING CONSTELLATIONS
Appropriate for grades 4-8.
OVERVIEW: One half of our lives is spent with the stars and yet
few of us come to know these giant of fiery gas in a familiar way.
The following activities spark the interest of children and adults
and even the small success of finding the northern
stars is awe inspiring and motivation to continue the process
Observers of the ancient sky saw patterns in the stars. From
these designs rose the rich stories which incorporated the beliefs
and traditions of cultures like the Greeks and later the Native
Americans. These mythologies can guide us in creating experiences
or our own, they challenge us to see what was seen and then to
look further, and in doing so find new patterns appropriate to our
own time.
PURPOSE: To develop an awareness and appreciation of star
patterns through observation of the night sky.
OBJECTIVES: Students will be able to:
1. Describe two constellations and their mythology
2. Identify the summer triang|e and the winter hexagonal
3. Show the relationship and movement of the North Star, Big
Dipper, and Cassiopeia at two different times of the year
ACTIVITIES:
1. As an introduction to the study of constellations, illustrate
one of the major constellations on the chalk board showing
both the major stars and the design or picture the star
pattern was seen as (Leo-Lion). Read myths that correspond
to that constellation (Greek, Native American).
2. Nightly observations, at the same time each evening,
encourage students to note characteristics of the stars, and
their relative positions. Initial homework assignments
should include keeping a journal on observations of color,
brightness, and patterns. Children can then create stories
that correspond to their own view of the sky. Later
assignments should incorporate the use of their own class
made star maps.
3. Have students choose one constellation presently found in the
night sky and one which will be out in another season
(corresponding to the second star map you choose to use
later). Individually or as a group assign the students to
research these constellations and write a summary of each of
their origins. These finished reports can be grouped on the
bulletin board for later reference when completing star maps.
RESOURCES/MATERIALS NEEDED: For star maps: David Chandler Co.
P.O. Box 309
LaVerne, CA 91750
TYING IT ALL TOGETHER: Many teachers are a bit intimidated by the
stars if they have no prior experience. Work through these
activities using a blank starfield and the Sky calender from
Abrams. A little practice and you will be as excited as the kids.
Encourage parent participation, often I have found they are every
bit as receptive as their children. Send home a blank star map
and have the kids show their parents.
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John Kurilecjmk@ofcn.org