Space Place Activity: Constellations
Topic/Concept: Boys and Girls Club: Constellations
Type of Activity: 20 min. activity for small group (3-4 kids), teacher interaction required
Prerequisite knowledge required: none
Resources required: laptop running interactive star chart (skyandtelescope.com, starry night, etc); photocopied sheets of constellations (dots to connect), markers and crayons
Learning Objectives: (1) understand the way humans have organized groups of stars into constellations, and made up stories for the constellations (2) understand that constellations change during the night because the Earth is turning.
Common misconceptions:
Detailed description of activity: (1) We projected the star chart and looked at well known constellations, then progressed the time to show the constellations move during the night. We discussed why the constellations move.
(2) We then told the story of Orion and Taurus, then handed out sheets showing the stars in the two constellations. They colored in the pictures around the stars and were able to take the sheets to help them find the constellations in the future.
Assessment: judging understanding through discussion and teacher
questions to students.
Comments: this activity was conducted with 3 groups of 2-4
students, with varying results. Older (10+ yrs) seemed the most
successful at grasping the concepts. Adaptations may be needed for
younger kids.