BIG Dipper, Little Dipper
Looking at the Stars! STEM Science
Let's Look Up at the Stars and Be Amazed!
"It is a perfect time to go out these Autumn nights to view the stars as most skies are clear now. It's just starting to get cool at night so don't forget that coat. Lay down and look up to see a plethora of stars and get the kids excited and wondering what the universe beholds!"
According to Space.com in the October sky, 'objects to see are; stars, constellations, and bright planets, the moon, and sometimes special events like meteor showers!'
Recently I used binoculars to view the moon and I was surprised how much I could see the markings on the surface in detail. Using the binoculars goes beyond the 'man in the moon' with the naked eye and gives you remarkable details. Use something to stabilize it because it can get shakey.
A great way to begin a lesson plan would be to read a book about stars and some of the constellations like for example, the above video. I've read a detailed science book on Ursa Major and Minor, and it is also entertaining, not dry. Most libraries should have an abundance on this topic if you'd prefer a tangible book, it's a good idea. Star charts if simplified don't look so overwhelming to little ones. Adding a figure, and using your imagination helps go along way as well.
As a suggestion try to point out the "Big Dipper" and "Little Dipper" like they do in this particular book by Franklyn Branley. He gives a number of significant facts that are very interesting and useful. If your teaching in a classroom setting, have the kids report on what they saw and what they enjoyed most about looking at the stars. You could be encouraging a future NASA astronomer or engineer, who knows?
I bet all will want to do some extra credit if mini-marshmallows are involved. Draw out the Big Dipper with circles where the stars would be and print out one per child. Have the kids place marshmallows on each circle so they see the shape it creates; also have them count the marshmallows before eating them.
Be sure to include the North Star as being a special star for navigation purposes! Some sailing history!
Coloring Page of Ursa Major, and Minor; means Big Bear and Little Bear. Some refer to 7-star formation as the Big and Little Dipper.
