1. 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

2. 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