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Star
Frames
DESIGNED
BY: Colette Dryden, Satchel Ford Elementary
1)
CORE CURRICULUM OBJECTIVE(S): Explore
characteristics of stars (brightness, color, and
constellations).
GRADE
LEVEL: Fourth SUBJECT:
Science
2)
OVERVIEW: Following a lesson on the
characteristics of stars (such as brightness, color, and
constellations), students will select a favorite
constellation to depict on a wire frame. Each student will
tape the Saran Wrap to the diamond frame and will paint a
constellation that illustrates various characteristics of
stars. Upon completion of the task, students will then
discuss the difference in brightness and color as it
relates to distance. This is done during the third grade
solar system unit.
3)
FOCUS/ESSENTIAL QUESTION(S): In what ways
do constellations differ from each other? How do these
differences effect the way we see them?
4)
TIME FRAME: One fifty minute class
5)
RESOURCES/MATERIALS:
Materials:
hangers
Saran Wrap (this brand works best)
Glow-in-the-dark T-shirt paint
tape
blow dryer
constellation pictures
Books: A Field Guide to the Stars and
Planets, Donald Menzel, etal.
The Sky is Full of Stars, Franklin Branley Stargazers,
Gail Gibbons
The Sun and the Stars, Lesley Sims Galaxies, Seymour Simon
Web site: www.nasa.gov
6)
CULMINATING ASSESSMENT:
Holistic
Rubric Score Criteria
| 4 |
constellation
is painted neatly and accurately including
differing star sizes and brightness |
| 3 |
constellation
is almost accurate and the stars vary in
brightness and size most of the time; fairly neat |
| 2 |
constellation
is not neat and is mostly incorrect; does not have
the variability |
| 1 |
constellation
is wrong; very sloppy |
| 0 |
did
not attempt |
7) INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITIES: After
students have been introduced to constellations and stars,
the teacher should conduct this activity. Recruit a parent
volunteer to assist during the lesson.
Review
with students the ways in which stars are different (size,
age, favorite constellations. The teacher can draw these
or locate them in a constellation book.
Have
a completed Star Frame to show the children. Make one
while giving the directions. Share the rubric with
students and discuss.
Give
each child a hanger. Tell them to stretch the ends so it
resembles a "diamond" shape. Show them how to
take the plastic wrap, tape it tightly around the wire
hanger. This should not be too loose.
Once
the wrap is taped, the student is ready to paint the
constellation. Have them choose 1 picture and place it on
the desk under the star frame. Trace over the stars to
create the constellation on the wrap. Caution: If they put
too much paint on it, it will be more difficult to dry.
Blow
the wrap until the paint dries and the wrap has shrunk to
make a tight "window".
Hang
throughout the classroom. Turn out lights to see them
glow-in-the-dark,.
Discuss
with the students why some stars are brighter than others.
Why are they different colors? What color is our star? How
far away is our star?
Display
in other areas of the school or invite others into the
classroom to view star frames.
EXTENSIONS
Write
a story about the constellation they painted.
Research
the constellation they chose. Find out if there are any
Native American of African American tales about the
constellation. Any from other countries?
Make
a poster illustrating the life and death of a star,
Read
the Drinking Gourd.
Use
a star map to locate their constellation in the night sky.
Draw it in relation to their house and share with the
class. |
