K-6 Activities - Dudley Observatory

Grade Two
Grade Three
K–6 Activities • B–8 •
Grade Two
1. In STARLAB, using the Greek Mythology Cylinder, review the constellations
introduced in Grade One section but add the stories of Leo the Lion, Auriga the
Charioteer, Lepus the Hare, Draco, and the Pleiades. Look at these constellations
using the Constellation Cylinder. Hand out arrow pointers and show their
locations. Look at the Starfield Cylinder and try to locate the same constellations.
After leaving STARLAB, hand out star maps, and show the proper way to use
them discussing the cardinal directions.
2. In STARLAB, use the Earth Cylinder to discuss the global continents. Introduce the
concept of longitude by tying it in with time zones (each is 15° of longitude wide
on average). Introduce latitude and determine your location’s latitude. Use the
Celestial Coordinates Cylinder and tie in latitude and longitude with declination
and right ascension. Introduce the celestial equator. Show the moon phases on
the Starfield Cylinder.
3. In STARLAB, show the Aurora Borealis slides. Using colored chalk and a piece of
black construction paper, have students draw what they think the Northern Lights
look like. If time allows, show the Native American Mythology Cylinder and
review and introduce new stories.
4. In the classroom, make aluminum foil constellations using current star maps. Do
the “Circle Puzzle” (PASS Volume 5, Constellations Tonight) to recognize that the
constellations which they invent can be just as useful as the ancient Greek and
Roman constellations. Do the “Dots Puzzle” (also PASS Volume 5).
Grade Three
1. In STARLAB, review all of the above winter constellations using the Greek Mythology
Cylinder. Introduce the spring constellations of Bootes, Virgo, and Hydra.
Run back to back winter and spring star maps. Using star maps, work in groups
of four to identify the constellations on the Constellation Cylinder. Put the Starfield
Cylinder on and try to locate the winter and spring constellations in the night sky.
2. Do the “Red Planet Mars” lesson (PASS Volume 6) in STARLAB in which children
find a “star” much like Mars. See slides of Lowell’s study of Mars, and using
Exobiology, create a creature that could live on Mars with its conditions of thin
atmosphere, cold temperatures, and low gravity.
3. In STARLAB, review the Native American Mythology Cylinder and legends about
Native American constellations. Add the legend of the lizard, snake and butterfly.
Show the Earth Cylinder. Find the continents and continue the discussion
of latitude and longitude and how they relate to the celestial equator. View the
African Mythology Cylinder and tell stories from various groups from Africa.
4. In the classroom, make constellation viewers using film containers (page 21).
Make “Star Clocks” (page 12).