Lesson Plans
These original lesson plans have been submitted by teachers and include home activities for children and families.
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Star Study
Brief Overview:
Students identify common constellations by their shape.
Curriculum:
Science
Standards:
3-5
Science - Physical Setting
Lesson Plan
Goals:
- Explain the difference between a constellation and an asterism
- Identify at least 7 of the most common constellations by their shape
- Identify these same constellations on a star map
Lesson:
Students will brainstorm names of constellations they are familiar with. They will work a dot-to-dot puzzle that outlines ten common constellations. If necessary, with the help of a star map they will name all of the constellations on their puzzle. Using links on the internet students will explore other constellations and discover the difference between an asterism and a constellation.
Home Connections:
With their parents, students can explore the suggested addtional internet sites. Students and parents can visit a local planetarium or StarLab to get first hand knowledge of the shape of the constellations. Students and parents can explore the night sky together to locate these familiar shapes that define the constellations.
Materials:
- Activity sheets 1 and 2
- Star maps 1 and 2
(available in original lesson plan)
Technology:
internet access
URLs:
- Star Lab Portable Planetarium
- http://www.starlab.com/
- East Central Educational Service Center
- http://www.ecesc.k12.in.us/
- The Buddy Project
- http://www.buddyproject.org/
- IDoE Standards
- http://dc.doe.in.gov/Standards/AcademicStandards/StandardSearch.aspx
- Stars and Planets at Lycos Zone for Kids
- http://search.lycos.com/?loc=searchbox&tab=web&query=stars+and+planets&diktfc=A939DD3199C529AA150BF1BBDE7CD73712D9F4F06F12
- StarGazer
- http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/worlds/stargazer.html
- Dome Planetarium
- http://domeofthesky.com/foyer.html
Internet Use:
Students will use these sites to link to additional information about constellations. The last site will be used as part of the assessment. Other sites are listed will inform students of background information needed to create this site.
Assessment:
Student will use star map #2 to label the constellations found there. They will also use the last URL listed to identify an example of an asterism.
Credits:
The format for this lesson was taken from USGS, United States Geological Survey homesite.
Workshop Offerings
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