Stars and Constellations
In this activity, you will
investigate stars and learn more about constellations.
Supplies Required
- Constellation-Projection-Cards-Summer-Sky-and-Blank-Template-1
- Scissors
- Toilet paper roll
- Tape
- Dot sticker
- Push pin
- Small LED flashlight
The Challenge
Stars are burning balls of gas that sometimes give off enough light for us to see them on Earth! During the day, the sun overtakes their light, but during the day, we are able to see them shining brightly. The sun is also a star! There are many different types of stars and you can often tell them apart based on their color. The smallest stars are red and don’t give off much of a glow. Medium size stars are yellow, like the Sun. The largest stars are blue and are hugely bright. Constellations are groups of stars that form a pattern. There are 88 constellations in the sky.
Problem and Hypothesis
[contact-form-7 id="18628" title="STEM book form SCI 1"]Let’s Experiment and Build!
Instructions
- Cut out the constellation circles from the template
- Use the push pin to poke holes at each dot – these are the stars
- Once your holes are punched, cut out the circles and affix them with tape to the top of a toilet paper roll
- Tape the toilet paper roll to your light source and project your constellation formations on the wall.
Experiment, Analysis, and Conclusion
[contact-form-7 id="18626" title="STEM book form SCI 2"]Think about it and Additional Resources
Share on social media: Record a video or take a picture of your activity and post the results online using the hashtags:
#StarsConstellations
#ProjectExploration
#StemAtHome
Tag a friend and challenge them to do it, too!
For more activities like this one, go to www.projectexploration.org/stemhome. If you’re interested in learning more about Project Exploration and our free events, programs, and activities, please find us on social media and be sure to follow!
Call or text us for help: 312-772-6634
In this video, you will…
- Connect the dots in the night sky