Middle School Science Lessons

Photo: Looking Inside the Shoebox & Viewing The Constellation Scorpius

Objectives: students will learn the constellations of the night sky by making a viewer to practice identification.

Materials

• Student handout – Detailed Instructions on how to set up the shoebox (pdf)
• Constellations Cards – 2 sets (pdf)
  • a. one set will be used for the viewer and glued to black paper with stars punched out
  • b. print double sided, this set will be a reference to help you identify the constellations
    • paperclip and keep inside the shoebox for storage
• Large Paper Clips
• Index Cards
• Glue Sticks
• Scissors
• Metal Math Compass
• Foam or Cork Board
• Shoebox
• Black construction paper
• Duct Tape
• Stickers

Steps 1 & 2: Cut out constellations and glue each to an index card, and then to a piece of black construction paper. Triple layering will make the cards more sturdy and let less light through. Using a metal math compass, poke a hole for every star in the constellation, using the foam board or cork as your backing.

Steps 3 & 4: Make an opening on one end of the shoebox slightly smaller than an index card. Trim the cards to fit inside  of your shoebox and line up the stars to make sure none are blocked. Use 2 paper clips to keep in place.

Steps 5 & 6: Make an opening on the opposite side of the shoebox so you can see inside the box. Put the lid on and decorate with duct tape. Change the cards to practice identifying the constellations. How many can you find in the night sky?