Teaching about space and constellations is a fun STEM topic for all ages! Try out these activities in your next Earth and Space lesson, we promise they’re out of this world! Plus, scroll down to download a free NASA poster for your classroom.

Make Your Own Star Constellation

Using this activity sheet, students will recreate different constellations using marshmallows and toothpicks. Start by introducing constellations through a book or lesson, showing students various formations of constellations and their names. Then, challenge your students to pick one constellation and make it using marshmallows and toothpicks! Ask your students to think about why their constellation got it’s name and if they can think of other names that fit. This activity is best for students new to constellations, in Kindergarten through 4th Grade.

 

DIY Constellation Jar

This is a great activity to make learning about constellations hands-on! First, have students pick one constellation to study, including its name, history and shape. Then, have them draw the constellation on foil, poking holes where the stars are. They can also add extra stars around the constellation if they’d like! Next, put the foil around the inside edge of a glass jar, leaving space for a light in the middle. Finally, put the light in the jar and see their constellation come to life! This is a great activity for students in 5th – 8th grade.

 

 

Finding the North Star

Use this infographic to teach students how to locate the North Star, or Polaris. The North Star never sets below the horizon and does not change position over the course of the night. This is because the North Star aligns with the northern axis. You can locate the North Star with the Big Dipper and then determine your cardinal directions knowing that the North Star points North.

 

 

 

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Looking for more Earth and Space Science resources?
Check out our Start to STEM Earth and Space Science Kit!