Mathematics/Physics.

Identify And Construct A Constellation

Barbara J. Hill	Fernwood
	10041 S. Union
	CHICAGO IL 60628
	773-535-2700

Objective(s):

The student will identify and construct a constellation.

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

Materials:

1. Shoebox, scissors, box cutter, flashlight and batteries, glue, tape, stapler, black construction

paper, sharpened pencil or nail, newspaper.

• Select a constellation.
• 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 the 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
• 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, scissors, box cutter, flashlight and batteries, glue, tape, stapler, black construction paper, sharpened pencil or nail, newspaper.

• Select a constellation.
• Cut off bottom of 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.

Strategy:

Tell the student to choose which method he will use to make a constellation, shoebox, paper cup or transparent paper.

By completing this activity, the student will be able to name, one or more of the constellations.

Conclusion:

After the students have completed the lesson on the constellations and the related activity. The teach will give a quiz on related vocabulary and pictures of the constellations for the students to identify.