Constellation Research Project

I love completing this project each year! Find this project on my TPT page. Here is some info, tips, and tricks for this project!

Create a List of Constellations

Depending on the age of your students, some constellations and their mythology may not be appropriate for students. I typically make a list and we have a "constellations lottery" for sign-ups!

Creating the Working Circuit

1. Materials Needed

copper tape, LED light sticker, paper, coffee filter, tape/glue, marker

2. Making the constellation drawing

-Color a coffee filter. I let my students pick the colors they want as long as the whole coffee filter is full of color.

-Once students have colored the coffee filter, put it on a paper towel or plate with their name on it.

-Using a spray bottle, spray the coffee filter until the colors begin to run and mix.

-Let the coffee filter dry.

-Once dry, use a marker to draw a "connect-the-dots" picture of the constellation. I like using silver Sharpies!

3. Use the Chibitronics template and instructions to create a working circuit using the paper, copper tape, and led light sticker.

4. Place the colored coffee filter over the completed circuit. Arrange the coffee filter so that the LED light aligns with one of the stars in the constellation. 

-I like to have my students make the light be the brightest star in the constellation. This has students look back at the data they gathered through research.

Completing the Project Digitally

There are many ways to take this project! You can increase the rigor if needed for upper grades by asking students to look further into the characteristics of the stars, how the constellation moves in the sky throughout the year, and so much more!