Constellation Geoboard Activity
Astronomers estimate there are 1.8 billion stars in the Milky Way galaxy. Some stars are very hard to see, so that number is probably much greater. Stars are made of hydrogen and helium that fuels a constant explosion. This matter is called plasma. The energy from these explosions produces the light we can see. A constellation is a grouping of stars that connect to form a shape. There are 88 identified constellations in the night sky. The ancient Greeks are responsible for naming 48 of them, though many early cultures looked at the stars and saw the shapes of animals, people and objects. Though these groupings of stars are arbitrary, constellations do help astronomers and even sailors navigate the night sky.
Materials:
- Cork trivets (Purchase at Michaels or Walmart)
- Geoboard template (See below)
- Ball head straight pins (Purchase at Michaels or Walmart)
- Glow in the Dark Loom bands (Purchase at Michaels or Walmart)
- Glue stick (Purchase at Michaels or Walmart)
- Scissors(you provide)
Procedure:
1. Carefully cut out the constellation geoboard template. You’ll find the template in the bottom of your lab box. Cover the trivet top with glue from the glue stick. Place the geoboard template on top of the glue. Let the glue dry. What about the second trivet? Are we only using one?
2. Pick a few of the constellations and place the ball head pins into the stars on the template.
3. Connect the stars with the loom bands, you may have to wrap them under the ball head of the pin a couple times to create a straight line.
4. Take your geoboard into a dark room for a surprise!
Did You Know?
The sun, moon and planets move through the sky on what’s called the ecliptic path. They pass through 12 constellations known as the zodiac. It takes the sun one month to pass through each of these constellations. Astronomers may use these zodiac constellations to refer to a planet’s location. Some people believe that these