Below are ideas for extending this topic beyond the activity which you just completed.

• Written Response Questions
• Reading: "Int'l Dark Reserves"
• Activity Extension: Have students work in pairs, using their flashcards to quiz each other on the constellations.
• Discussion: The Constellations in Other Cultures
• Project: Adopt a Constellation

Written Response Questions (Part 1 of 3)

1) What's one constellation that will be out on the evening of your birthday? Hint: Think about what season your birthday happens.

Written Response Questions (Part 2 of 3)

2) What's wrong here?

Written Response Questions (Part 3 of 3)

3) Challenge: What do you notice that's unusual about this? Where on the Earth do you think this picture might have been taken? (Hint: Which constellation is it?)

Discussion: The Constellations in Other Cultures

Explore how different cultures viewed the constellations. You can find Native American myths on the Native Languages of the Americas website.) A NASA website (here is an alternate link) provides four stories from different cultures and the star groups that inspired them. A list of books that tell a variety of myths is here.

Project: Adopt a Constellation

Have each student adopt a constellation and write about it. You can use the “Adopt a Constellation” worksheet created by the Utah Education Network. Details about each constellation—its stars and the myths associated with it—can be found here. You can search constellations alphabetically or by season.