Glowing Constellations

Who is interested in outer space? Learn about constellations while creating a bright art project to show the latest scientific findings.

• 1.

  Choose a fascinating constellation to research. Use pictures to help design an accurate bas-relief replica of the constellation. If you make your project in several sessions, just keep the pieces in a resealable plastic container.

• 2.

  Cover the inside of a produce tray with a thin layer of Crayola Model Magic® compound.

• 3.

  In a contrasting Model Magic color, shape the image of the constellation, such as the dog for Canis Major. Press it on the background. Attach small Model Magic balls to the constellation image where the stars are located.

• 4.

  Create a fun and funky Model Magic border to make your project distinctive. Shape small Model Magic charms for more accents. Poke holes in them for stringing with a straw. Model Magic® dries to the touch overnight and dries completely in 2 to 3 days.

• 5.

  Tie the charms with ribbon. Attach them to the back of the bas-relief work with Crayola School Glue. Air-dry the glue.

• 6.

  Use Crayola Glitter Glue to mark the lines between the stars and to decorate your border and charms. Air-dry the glue.

• 7.

  Create a name-plate for the display with Crayola Markers on construction paper. Attach it to your project.

Benefits

• Students research and gather information about constellations.
• Students apply their research to creating an artistic image that shows what their constellation represents.
• Students demonstrate their ability to represent data in their own artistic manner.
• Students recognize constellations both alone as stars and with an image behind the stars.

Adaptations

• Form groups of about five students who each made a different constellation. Quiz each other by showing the constellations in the dark and then the light.
• Research the history of the constellations. What culture(s) have identified it? Approximately when? What legends are associated with the constellation?
• Assessment: Students report on their constellation to the class. Discuss the image that their constellation represents and how it can be imagined in the night sky. Can students identify all of the constellations represented?