Skip Navigation

Constellations and Mythology

Time Frame

5 class periods of 45 minutes each

Group Size

Small Groups

Life Skills

  • Thinking & Reasoning
  • Communication

Authors

JOANNA MONSON
Heather Wihongi
STEPHANIE WOOD

Summary

Students will be able to understand the links between the constellations and the stories about their origins.


Materials

Attachments

Websites

"Constellation Notes"

Microsoft PowerPoint

"Past and Present Meet":

answer sheet

"Star Finder Wheel":

copy master

"Adopt-a-Constellation":

teacher instructions

student worksheet

research materials (books, mythology anthologies, encyclopedias, etc.)

film canisters

nails or push pins

"Constellation Brochure":

Microsoft Publisher

rubric


Background for Teachers

No special training beyond standard Integrated Science Endorsement required.


Student Prior Knowledge

Students require no previous astronomical knowledge.


Intended Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

-associate the constellations with the myths that explain their origins

-write a creative story that tells the origin of their own original constellation

-create a three-fold brochure using Microsoft Publisher

-create the tools necessary to locate a constellation in the night sky


Instructional Procedures

Day 1: Whole group activity, PowerPoint notes

Days 2-5: Rotation through the following four stations:

1) Technology Station: Where Past and Present Meet" UEN Activity

2) Exploration Station 1: Make a Star Finder

3) Exploration Station 2: Adopt-a-Constellation

4) Text Station: Constellation Brochure


Strategies for Diverse Learners

Students with special needs will be able to work in small groups with more competent peers.


Assessment Plan

A rubric will be used to assess students' performance on the Constellation Brochure.


Bibliography

Wentz, B. (2000). Sky challengers. Berkeley, CA: Regents of the University of California.

Arnett, B. (2004). The nine planets. retrieved Mar 30, 2004, from A Multimedia Tour of the Solar System Web site: hhtp://www.seds.org/nineplanets/nineplanets/nineplanets.html.

Trimpe, T. (n.d.). Astronomy lesson plans. retrieved Mar 30, 2004, from Adopt a Constellation Web site: hhtp://www.sciencespot.net/Pages/classastro.html.


Rubrics

Created: 03/30/2004
Updated: 02/05/2018
14376
/>