Constellations (Ages 7-8): Identifying/Finding Them, Deep Space Objects, and 3D

Can we change the names of constellations to what we want them to be? What would a constellation look like if you travel to it in space? How is each star in a constellation unique? What other space objects may be hiding inside the constellation? What are the names of all the constellations we can see? Get the answers to these and many more questions as you sharpen your expertise in "Constellations: Identifying and Finding Them, Deep Space Objects, and 3D Reality."

Through interactive discussions, teacher demonstrations and other visuals, and possible hands-on activities, students will learn both the astronomy and history of constellations plus use their imagination and creativity. 

All during this exciting and fun 5-week class, students will learn the names, appearance, and location of as many Northern Hemisphere constellations as they please. They could even learn a few visible from the Southern Hemisphere. More specifically by week:

Week 1: Students will learn why there is a North Star and why the the constellations seem to move in the night sky the way they do. They will learn how to find a current map of their night sky as well as correctly use a star wheel map (planisphere). They will also learn why different constellations appear in our sky throughout the year. Then, they will will compare how constellations appear different from Earth than they do from different places in space. They will watch me construct a 3D model of a constellation and be invited to build one of their own. 

Week 2: The students will see if they can recognize some constellations and then add new ones to their knowledge base. They will also study individual stars in constellations, discovering different sizes and colors of the stars, and even find out what double stars might be there. Plus, they will find out what galaxies, nebulas, and star clusters can appear inside constellations. We will go over some astronomy on those objects and where they actually are in space. In addition, they will see what characters, animals, and everyday objects various people in history decided star patterns looked like. Then, students will imagine what those constellations could be in their minds. 

Week 3: Using a detailed star map, the students will study at least one constellation in-depth, including everything that appears inside it. I will invite the students to choose one additional constellation of their own to study independently and I will provide each student with a map of it plus any additional helpful information. Then, they will receive images of the night sky or random star patterns and each student will use imagination and creativity to invent at least one constellation. 

Week 4: The students will continue to invent constellations, as well as hear age-appropriate ancient or cultural stories about a few constellations. They will then come up with stories to accompany their invented constellations, which I will invite them to write, record, act out, build, or capture in some way. We may also continue to discover what galaxies, nebulas, and star clusters are in various constellations, and if they wish, students may present their findings in constellations they studied independently.

Week 5: The students will extend their learning on topics from the previous weeks, continue to create, and, if they wish, they can share with the class their invented constellations and stories or constellations they studied independently.

I will provide the learners with a summary of the course material we cover in class. I will also provide single constellation maps, and documents needed for inventing constellations. 

I am looking forward to seeing you!