Astronomy Pop-Up

Outcomes
1. Explore the concepts of science through a hands-on activity
2. Begin to familiarize with the basics of research
3. Spend an afternoon engaged in a positive activity

Supplies
- Worksheet constellations
- Teen and kid bookmarks with further resources on astronomy
- Instructions and examples for making constellation viewers
- Flashlight for demonstration
- String
- Small, single-hole punches
- Black construction paper circles (200)
- White pencils or crayons
- Art supplies to decorate bookmarks
- Constellation identification resources

How To
This pop-up activity was created as an extension of the Space Explorers: Astronomy Fun01
event on July 22nd. This activity introduces participants to basic information about astronomy
and fosters further independent learning about constellations and identification.

For the Constellation activity, participants will first complete the constellations identification
worksheet. Using a combination of group work and library resources, once those are identified,
they move to the next part of the activity - creating their favorite constellation viewer. Before
getting started, the facilitator will walk through the instructions and demonstration examples for
each step. Using their worksheet, theyll draw the constellation on a black piece of construction
paper, marking where the star is. Taking the hole punch, participants will then punch out the
star. Participants will be encouraged to make as many constellations as they want. They can
then use string to hold them together. These can then be taken home and viewed using a
flashlight whenever they like.

Bookmarks pointing towards additional library resources will also be available for participants to
take and/or decorate using the available art supplies.

Indicators
- Active participation with the materials showing a high level of engagement
- Sharing favorite constellations
- Finished projects: constellations they can take home and view

Assessment
- Observation: watching how participants engage with the material and direct their own
learning. Are participants asking questions of each other or the facilitator(s)? Do they
seem excited to learn more about astronomy? Are they helping each other make
constellations?
- Informal Interviews: Facilitator(s) should ask participants about their favorite part of the
activity. What did they learn? What do they like about the topic? What do they want to
learn more about?
 Constellations
Fill in the name of each constellation using the
constellation resources. Create your own below!

Constellation
Name:
Reach for Reach for Reach for Reach for Reach for
the Stars! the Stars! the Stars! the Stars! the Stars!
Even more Even more Even more Even more Even more
resources on resources on resources on resources on resources on
astronomy for astronomy for astronomy for astronomy for astronomy for
teen readers! young readers! teen readers! young readers! young readers!
Also check the Also check the Also check the Also check the Also check the
500 -600s for 500 -600s for 500 -600s for 500 -600s for 500 -600s for
additional titles. additional titles. additional titles. additional titles. additional titles.

Space, Stars and Theres No Place Like Space, Stars and Theres No Place Like Theres No Place Like
the Beginning of Space the Beginning of Space Space
Time By Tish Rabe Time By Tish Rabe By Tish Rabe
By Elaine Scott By Elaine Scott
The Magic School Bus The Magic School Bus The Magic School Bus
Space Encyclopedia Sees Stars Space Encyclopedia Sees Stars Sees Stars
By David A. Aguilar By Nancy White By David A. Aguilar By Nancy White By Nancy White

Invisible Universe Everything Space Invisible Universe Everything Space Everything Space
Revealed (DVD) By Helaine Becker Revealed (DVD) By Helaine Becker By Helaine Becker
Directed by Peter Yost Directed by Peter Yost
Wonderful World Wonderful World Wonderful World
Ask the Astronaut of Space Ask the Astronaut of Space of Space
By Tom Jones By Thea Feldman By Tom Jones By Thea Feldman By Thea Feldman