Imagined Orion picture Constellations Orion in the night sky Orion stars connected Imagined Orion picture Constellations are shapes that “connect the dots” between certain stars People give these shapes names and make up stories about them 10/22/07 SeeS / Astronomy 1

Materials and Procedure Thick cardboard placemats Attached pushpins on string (approx. 20) Black construction paper in half-sheets (enough for each student) Connect-the-dots constellation worksheet Approx. 20 pencils Procedure: Talk about constellations and the night sky. Have the children first complete the connect-the-dots worksheet. Then have them create their own constellation by making holes in the black paper with the pushpin. Have the children view their “constellation” by holding it up to the light. Top Left: Picture of actual night sky containing Orion. Top Right: Picture of night sky with Orion image. Bottom: How stars look like a “flat” image on night sky. 10/22/07 SeeS / Astronomy 1