Sliding Telescopes

Sliding Telescopes lesson plan

Telescopes help us see beyond our world. Let your creativity shine with this stellar project!

  • 1.

    Round Telescope Decorate two pieces of a 3 x 5" (7.62 x 12.7 cm) piece of Neon Color Explosion® paper. On each piece, fold the paper down ½" (1.27 cm) on one end to display the color on the back of the paper. Punch decorative holes in the paper with a craft punch. (optional)

  • 2.

    Roll the papers into tubes. Make the one tube slightly larger in diameter than the other tube. Tape the tubes in place with clear adhesive tape.

  • 3.

    Assemble the telescope by sliding one tube inside the other. Make sure the folded down pieces are on the ends of the telescope so the telescope slides freely.

  • 4.

    Square Telescope Decorate two 4.5 x 6.5" (11.43 x 16.51 cm) pieces AND two 4 x 6" (10.16 x 15.24 cm) pieces of Neon Color Explosion paper. On each piece, fold the paper down ½" (1.27 cm) on one end to display the color on the back of the paper. Punch decorative holes in the paper with a craft punch. (optional)

  • 5.

    Fold each piece of paper in half lengthwise. Create a box by taping the long sides of each size paper together. You will have two boxes, one slightly larger than the other.

  • 6.

    Assemble the telescope by sliding one box inside the other. Make sure the folded down pieces are on the ends of the telescope so the telescope slides freely.

Benefits

  • Students research space exploration and study through a variety of electronic and library resources.
  • Children create a unique 3-dimensional display of a telescope, a key tool in the study of space.

Adaptations

  • Research more about the Hubble Telescope. The website allows you to learn fun facts, track the current path of the telescope and see pictures and data it has collected in its travels.
  • Take your sliding telescopes to a local planetarium. Use your creation to focus in on a favorite constellation.
  • Pick a planet. Which planet is your favorite? Learn about one of the planets in our solar system and make a postcard to send to friends telling them about your "visit" there. Draw a picture on one side and include facts about the planet on the other.
  • Younger children and special needs students can work on creating a single telescope in pairs or small groups. Each child can focus on their individual piece and work together on the telescope’s assembly.