Captivating Constellations!

Below are descriptions of each job to clarify what your responsibilities include.  You will work together to ensure completion of the project!

 Leader: The leader is in charge of keeping the group on task and working up to potential.  Politely ask off task students to continue doing their job.  If there is confrontation among members, help resolve the issue.  Remember that if the situation becomes too troublesome to handle, go and explain the conflict to the teacher.  She/He will take care of the problem.  

 - List interesting facts and information to be included on the Fact Sheet.  

 - Visit the "What is a Constellation" and describe what a constellation is!  Then, take the important information and write a well-written summary describing the origins and history of the constellation. 

 - Create a representation of your constellation on graph paper.  Draw the picture of the constellation over the star coordinates.  Be sure to lightly trace the picture so we can still view the stars.

Work together to find crucial information necessary to complete your constellation project.  Understand that each group will present it's project to the other groups.

 Winter: Orion the Hunter

 Spring: Leo the Lion

 Summer: Sagittarius the Archer

 Fall: Pegasus the Winged Horse 

1. First, visit this website: http://www.astro.wisc.edu/~dolan/constellations/extra/constellations.html 

Learn about what a constellation is and include this information in your summary .

2. Second, visit these websites: http://www.onr.navy.mil/Focus/spacesciences/observingsky/constellations5.htm

http://www.coldwater.k12.mi.us/lms/planetarium/myth/index.html

http://www.astro.wisc.edu/~dolan/constellations/constellationjavalist.html

At each website: find and click on the link for your season or constellation.  

 - At the first site, click your season, then click your constellation.  Everyone will read the information provided below the black screen, then decide what should be included in the summary.  You must work together to compile a list and write a summary.  In the summary be sure to include information about: 

   - how the constellation was named (what is the mythological story behind it)

   - where or who named it

   - when it was named

   - what cultural group(s) acknowledges the constellation

 3. Use this link http://www.onr.navy.mil/Focus/spacesciences/observingsky/constellations5.htm to learn more about your constellation.  Be sure to click on your assigned season.

For the illustration, click on the constellation in the black sky picture!  Draw a model of your stars on graph paper and draw the imaginary picture over top of the stars.  To do this, hide the lines (click on the white Title “Show/Hide Lines) and use this screen to help you draw the model of the placement of the stars.  Be sure to show a key to label the cardinal directions!  Do not worry about being 100% accurate.  Draw it to the best of your ability.

 - Make a list of the major stars that are included in the constellation.  Be sure to include this list on the Interesting Fact List.  

 - Look for anything special or unique about your constellation.  Include these characteristics in the Interesting Facts List!

 4. After the group has worked together to compile your information, begin to complete all tasks.  Work together, help each other!  Be positive!

 5. Now it is time to create your informational booklet.  Construction paper and glue sticks will be provided.  Fold your construction paper in half, hamburger style.  On the cover you will write the name of the constellation and group member names.  When you open the booklet, glue the summary on the left.  On the right paste the illustration.  On the back of the booklet glue the Interesting Facts List.

 6. After each group has completed their work we will present the projects to the class.