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 * __Stars & Constellations- 2nd grade Science __**
 * __Overview__** This lesson focuses on the study of the galaxy and the making up of star patterns. Students will learn what stars are and their significance to different cultures.

Students will be able to: -Discover stars -Identify multiple constellations -Define key terms and vocabulary
 * __Objectives__**

planet solar system Earth stars constellation galaxy Big Dipper North Star Milky Way
 * __Vocabulary__**

1) Teacher will give background lesson on what the galaxy is and that stars are a major part of it. Explain that we live in the Milky Way and we see the stars that are within this galaxy. Refer to website: [|http://library.thinkquest.org/25763/lindex.htm] [|Starry Skies] 2) It is important to note to students that all stars cannot be seen from all places or all the time. Stars are seen differently by people living in the Midwest than by people living in Brazil. 3) Teacher should explain that changes in our atmosphere may effect how we see the stars (pollution, city lights, etc). 4) Explain that our sun is actually a star…the closest one to Earth. 5) Describe constellations and their history. Incorporate the significance of constellations to different cultures and beliefs. Constellations are used by scientists for categorizing and separating areas in the Universe.
 * __Procedures__**

We will read the book, //There's No Place Like Space: All About Our Solar System (Cat in the Hat's Learning Library)// by Tish Rabe and Aristides Ruiz. This book is a fun way for kids to learn about the solar system. A class discussion about the book will follow. Use these questions as a guide: How many planets did we learn are in the solar system? What was your favorite planet to learn about? Why? What did you learn about the stars? Why is Earth special?
 * Lesson One**:

The class will take a trip to the Challenger Center of Northwest Indiana. They will hear from real astronomers and learn through interactive lessons about space, including constellations. Students will have the opportunity to experience the planetarium and observe stars and their patterns**.** **Activity: ** Paper Crayons In this activity students will chose a subject of their choice from the Challenger visit. 1) Create a product representing a subject from our visit to the Challenger Center (pictures of star patterns, poster about NASA, images of the moon, story about the seasonal sky). 2) Explain to the class what your picture is and why you drew it.  This lesson will be taught by the media specialist. The kids will explore the website [|Astronomy for Kids.] While exploring this website, students will answers worksheet questions based on website findings. Once worksheet is complete, students are encouraged to participate in more fun and learning on the website.
 * Lesson Two** :
 * Lesson Three:**

Flashlight Pen Aluminum Foil Rubberband Shoe box
 * Lesson Four: **
 * __Materials:__**

In this activity, students will chose a constellation to recreate. 1) Use pen to poke holes, in constellation pattern, into aluminum foil. 2) Rubber band the foil around the lens of the flashlight. 3) Project the light onto the ceiling or into a dark shoebox to illuminate the constellation pattern. 
 * __Activity__**


 * More Learning tools/activities**:

[|Space Word Search]   [|starworksheet.docx]  <span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> [|Vocabulary List-science.docx]

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 * __Assessment__**
 * Three points**- Students can clearly define key terms and vocabulary; student can give history of constellations; student can pick out constellations; and student actively participated in class activity and discussions
 * Two points**- Students can define most of the key terms and vocabulary; student can give a brief history of constellations; students may be able to pick out one constellation; and student contributed somewhat to activity and discussions
 * One point**- Student cannot define key terms or vocabulary; student cannot explain any history of constellation; student is unable to pick out constellations; and student did not actively participate in activity or discussions.