Did you know that today is Astronomy Day? We’re sharing a simple STEAM activity that will help you celebrate the stars and planets. You and your child will be “over the moon” when you head outside tonight with your Constellation Viewers!
Before we start our project, let’s learn a bit about constellations. A constellation is a group of stars that forms a pattern in the night sky. You have likely heard of some of the most well-known constellations: Orion, the Big and Little Dippers, and more! Ancient cultures saw these constellations as representations of their stories and myths. Farmers would use them as a calendar, and sailors would use them to navigate the seas. Learn more about constellations from Nasa Space Place!
Now, let’s make our constellation viewer! You can make these with items you probably already have at home. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Paper Towel Roll
- Aluminum Foil Cut Into 4-inch Squares
- Sharpie
- Toothpick
- Constellation Guide or Online Star Map (find free printable constellation cards here)
First, using your Sharpie, trace the outline of the paper towel roll in the middle of a piece of foil. Draw your favorite constellation inside the circle on the foil. Wrap your foil around one end of the paper towel roll, then carefully use your toothpick to poke holes where the stars in your constellation are located.
Point your constellation viewer at a light source to be able to see your constellations come to life!
See the full activity and more information about constellations from The Home School Scientist here.
As always, get as creative as you want, and above all, have lots of fun learning together!
We’ll see you right back here next Saturday for another STEAM Saturday activity! Scroll through the rest of our website to learn how Critchlow Adkins is Building Brighter Futures for the children and families we serve!
