How do the stars we see change from season to season? How do the stars we see depend on where we are on Earth? Why are the zodiac constellations famous? This activity will help kids clearly see the answers to these questions and more. It will give them a sense of how Earth moves in its orbit and how our vantage point changes depending on where we are in Earth's orbit.
Questions Addressed
❑ Can you tell the seasons from the stars we see?
❑ How do the stars we see depend on our location on Earth?
❑ Why are the zodiac constellations important astronomically?
Concepts Addressed
♦ Earth’s tilt produces seasons based on its position in its orbit.
♦ The zodiac constellations tell us where the sun is during a particular month.
♦ Earth’s view of the constellations depends on where it is in its orbit
♦ Earth’s orientation to the sun changes as it revolves in its orbit.
Standards Addressed
NGSS MS-ESS1-1
TEKS 6.11A, 8.7A
VA SOL ES.3.a
Materials Needed
copies of zodiac constellations (included), classroom globe(s) (optional)
Preparation Required
Make copies of the constellations and hang them around the room as described.
Teaching TimeThis lab takes about 30 minutes (more with writing assignments)
Answer Key
Extensive teacher notes address the many questions that come up. You shouldn’t have to do outside research on this topic unless you want to.
Student Sheets
• Scaffolded writing prompts & lab reporting
