Goals:

To recognize various constellations in the planetarium.

To discuss why the stars do not look the same everywhere and in all seasons.

To use their constellation maps to locate the constellations.

Content Areas:

Science - astronomy

Social Studies - mapping skills

Language Arts - listening, discussion and journal writing

Materials:

Constellation Maps (created in the previous lesson)

Local planetarium

Transportation and Chaperones (if necessary)

Journals

Pen/pencil

Guest Speaker

Procedure: (1 hour - may vary with time to travel)

1) Discuss how the stars were used to navigate at sea. Link this discussion to preparing the students for their visit to the planetarium. Give students focus questions prior to the trip to respond to in their journals after visiting the planetarium, such as: "Why does the sky look different at different times?" "What was the most interesting thing you learned today?" "Which constellation is your favorite and why?"

2) Go to the planetarium. Many high schools have a facility you many be able to use. If this is not an option, check in your local community for actual planetariums or try to rent a "simulated" planetarium.

3) Ask an expert in the field of astronomy to introduce the planetarium and its features to the students.

4) Ask students to use their maps to find constellations in the planetarium.

5) Upon completion of the trip, require students to write a reflective response in their journals.

Assessment:

Students will be assessed based on their participation and attentiveness during the presentation. Criteria for success: Students will be successful if they are respectful and attentive. Teacher will observe students and may actually write notes about each student, or may correct students immediately who are not being respectful.

Students will be assessed based on their journal entry. Criteria for success: Each question asked by the teacher must be answered in the journal. Grading for this will vary with each individual teacher's criteria.

Extensions:

Encourage students to prepare interview questions for the astronomer so they can learn more about the field and the job he/she does.

Encourage students to create poetry related to the stars or a specific constellation.

 This page was submitted by St. Norbert College Ocean Voyagers Program