Do You Know Your Solar System and Constellations?

Grades 2-4:

Introduction: Seeing the constellations outside is something everyone can do! After reading Planets, you learned all about the planets, our solar system, and constellations.

Task: for this activity, you get to create your own constellation. Each student should be able to decide which one they would like to mimic and create it. They can use this knowledge to look outside and see them all in the sky! Remember to use your creativity and that there is no right or wrong way!

Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2YP-ZYLr20

Items list:

·        Toothpicks

·        Marshmallows (I used cheeseballs, but marshmallows work best. They are more pliable!)

Helpful links:

·        https://www.dkfindout.com/us/space/constellations/

·        https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/menu/solar-system/

·        https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/planets/en/

step-by-step instructions:

·        Click on the video listed under ‘video:’ to start playing the book. The book is being read to your student.

·        Have your student read through the list labeled, ‘helpful links:’, to better help them understand what the constellation looks like, the solar system, and the planets.

·        Now begin to set up your student’s project. Below are the instructions with pictures also.

·        First, get your toothpicks and marshmallows (or anything circular) ready.

 ·        Next, begin to place the toothpicks in the object

·        Lastly, create your constellation and try to find it in the sky! I created libra.