Science fun - Stargazing

Stargazing is a great learning experience for the whole family. After you're done setting up, gather everyone together for a 'screening session'. When you become pros at the indoor screening, move outdoors and try to find the constellations you just observed.

What this activity will develop:
Science skills

What you'll need:CerealScissorsThin pieces of cardboardPencilNailTorchTapeThick black paperMarker

Setting up:

Making sure there is adult supervision at all times, cut out the bottom of the cereal box. Cut pieces of cardboard that are bigger than the bottom of the cereal box. Find some drawings of constellations, such as the Little Dipper and Leo, in an encyclopaedia and copy them in pencil on the pieces of cardboard. Punch out the constellation patterns with the nail. Make bigger holes for bigger stars. Write the name of the constellation on each cardboard piece. These pieces of cardboard will act similar to slides, and the torch will be your projector.

What to do:
Tape the black paper on the wall and turn off the lights. Hold a constellation pattern against the bottom of the box, and shine the torch in the other end. The constellation will appear on the black paper. Show the different constellations and have the others try to guess which ones they are.

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