Stars

LESSON 6

Children explore constellations through the story "Zoo in the Sky," a hands-on constellation creation activity, and star-gazing. 

A book about stars and constellations 

  • We used the book “What We See in the Stars” by Kelsey Oseid and “A Zoo in the Sky” by Jacqueline Mitton. 

  • Constellation shadow card printable 

  • Hole punch or pencil and scissors 

  • Tray for sand/salt 

  • Playdough, sand or salt (colored black or dark blue if desired) 

  • Clear marbles with flat edge or white rocks 

  • Wooden stick or similar tool

Materials

Optional

  • Liquid food coloring in dark blue or black to dye your own salt or playdough. 

Preparations

  • Gather materials.

  • Prepare colored salt beforehand, by mixing food coloring with salt in a plastic bag. Then laying it on a tray to dry for a few hours. If you don’t have time, sand, plain salt, or playdough works too.  

  • Print constellation shadow cards and use a hole punch or pencil to create holes where the stars are located. 

  • Introduce children to constellations through a story to engage their interest in astronomy. 

  • Facilitate understanding of constellation patterns, promoting curiosity.  

  • Guide children in creating constellations, fostering fine motor skills and spatial reasoning abilities. 

  • Support children in designing and sharing their own constellations. 

  • Lead a star-gazing activity to help children identify real constellations. 

Objectives for Teachers

  • Children identify and name various constellations from "Zoo in the Sky." 

  • Children understand what a constellation is and why patterns are named after animals. 

  • Children create constellations practicing fine motor skills and spatial awareness. 

  • Children design and share their own constellations fostering creativity and communication skills.  

  • Children participate in star-gazing to identify real constellations. 

Objectives for Children

Collect and Connect

Practice singing the nursery rhyme “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” with the actions you came up with.

At night consider saying the “Bedtime” poem to your child.

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

Twinkle, twinkle, little star,  

How I wonder what you are!  

Up above the world so high,  

Like a diamond in the sky.  

Twinkle, twinkle, little star,  

How I wonder what you are! 

Bedtime Poem

(at bedtime you can use a finger to draw the star, the sun, the moon on your child's back) 

 A star for you to wish on, 
A sun so warm and bright, 
A moon for you to sleep on, 
Happy dreams, 
A kiss goodnight. 

Activity Flow

  1. Begin this lesson by introducing the story “Zoo in the Sky” by Jacqueline Mitton. Look at the cover of the story together, and ask your child:  

  • What do you think the story is going to be about? 

  • Do you think zoo animals live in the sky? 

  • What do you see on the cover illustration? 

  • Do you know what a constellation is? 

2. Find a sunny spot to read the story and discover what a constellation is and why it's called "A Zoo in the Sky." As you read, let your child hold up the corresponding animal constellation card in the sunlight to create a shadow of the constellation on the wall. For younger children, consider telling the story in your own words to maintain their attention. 

After the story follow up with some questions to foster comprehension and understanding.  

  • What is a constellation? 

  • What constellations was your favorite? 

  • Do you think the constellations look like the animal? Why or why not? 

3. Conclude the lesson with the constellation creation activity.

Constellation Creation Activity  

  1. Spread colored salt, sand, or playdough on a tray or flat surface to create the base for your constellations. 

  2. Select a constellation from the book or constellation cards. 

  3. Use clear marbles or white rocks to represent the stars. Place them on the base to match the stars in the chosen constellation. 

  4. Using a wooden stick or similar tool, draw lines in the sand, salt, or dough to connect the stars and complete the constellation. 

  5. Encourage creativity by letting the children design their own constellations using the same materials. Enjoy creating together!  

  6. Have the children share their constellations and discuss the different shapes and patterns they created. 

Star Gazing Extension Activity 

Choose a clear night with minimal light pollution, and bring along a blanket, flashlight, and the constellation book, cards or phone app. Find a safe spot, set up, and let your eyes adjust to the darkness. Use the book, cards, or app to identify constellations and encourage your child to create new constellations with their imagination.