Star Gazing

Starry night activity

Instructions

Do a search for the constellation Ursa Major on the internet. You will find the Big Dipper, Little Dipper and Polaris the North Star. Seeing pictures of what to look for in the sky before heading out at dark is helpful.
Introduce a child to the wonders of a night sky (away from lights if possible)
After spending 10 minutes in the dark outside, your eyes should have adjusted
Look for the Big Dipper, Little Dipper, Polaris the North Star, and moon
Look at the sky through a telescope, binoculars, or your “naked” eyes

Simplify

Enjoy looking at the night sky together. Look for bright stars, twinkling stars, and the moon. See if the child can find patterns in the sky.

Extend

The constellation Ursa Major means Great Bear and the seven brightest stars in the constellation make the Big Dipper. You can check out skymaps.com

QUESTIONS FOR A CHILD

How many stars are in the sky?

If someone tells you that you were the star of the day, what would that mean?

Materials

clear starry night away from city lights (if possible)
internet access
telescope/binocular (optional)

Activity Resources

Sky maps at night

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Curriculum Plan Resources

Skills Focus

Shape - Star
Color - Purple
Number - Review
Alphabet Letters - S, V
Senses - Touch
Character Trait - Respect
Target Words - Hot, Soft, Above, Below

Monthly Proverb

Scottish-He that is wise can make a friend of a foe

Did You Know?

"The foundations of social competence that are developed in the first five years are linked to emotional well-being and affect a child’s later ability to functionally adapt in school and to form successful relationships throughout life." National Scientific Council on the Developing Child