Make it Yourself Constellation Finder

Activity:
Students create plannispheres from manila file folders and construction paper.

Science Standards:
Scientific Models (Conceptual)

Objectives:

  • The student will construct a Constellation Finder.
  • The student will use the Constellation Finder to identify constellations.
  • The student will identify constellations without the Constellation Finder.
  • Materials:

  • photocopies of (1) star wheel #1 and star wheel #2,
  • finder cover sheet
  • file folders
  • rubber cement
  • stapler



  • Introduction:
    One of the more difficult concepts in astronomy is to identify constellations. In reality, constellations are "regions" in the sky much like counties within states; they are not the stick figures most folks are familiar with. The stick figures are called "asterisms" - patterns that people find in the stars. Just like the Washington Bridge doesn't look like Washington, Cancer the Crab doesn't look much like a crab - it is that region of the sky that carries the name Cancer.

    Directions:
    1. Rubber cement the white cover page to the outside of the file folder such seam is on the left side of the folder.
    2. Cut out the star circles from the index pages and rubber cement back to back. It is not necessary (or possible) to line up the months on one side with the other.
    3. With the folder closed, cut the folder along the dotted line to remove one corner of the folder.
    4. With the folder open, cut out the interior hatched area as a window. Begin by poking a hole through one side of the folder.
    5. With the folder closed, place one staple the bottom side as indicated.
    6. Insert the circular star disk so that the dates line adjacent to the clock times and place staples as indicated. BE CAUTIOUS NOT TO PLACE A STAPLE THROUGH THE STAR DISKS. You may wish to staple the upper right hand corner somewhat less tightly to allow the star disk to be moved in and out easily.

    Procedure for Use:
    To employ the star finder, you must know: 1) the current date, 2) the current time, and 3) the direction which you are facing. First, rotate the star wheel such that the current time is adjacent to the current date. Second, rotate the entire assembly until the direction you are facing is the same as the direction indicated at the bottom of the star finder. Start with the novice side and move up to expert!
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    INSERT FIRST STAR WHEEL IMAGE

    FIGURE 108

    HERE
     
     
     
     
     

    INSERT SECOND STAR WHEEL IMAGE

    FIGURE 109

    HERE
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    INSERT CONSTELLATION FINDER COVER

    FIGURE 110

    HERE