Skywatching
What's up this month? Learn about the cool events in the night sky in July. Then, build model constellations of Orion and the Big Dipper using marshmallows (or play dough) and toothpicks.
Video Courtesy NASA
Model Constellation Build
Image courtesy of NASA
Materials
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Toothpicks
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Mini marshmallows or play dough
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Scissor
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Construction paper (optional)
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Printable cutout sheet for this activity (from the bottom of Cosmoto's "Week 2" site page)
Instructions
Use toothpicks and marshmallows (or small play dough balls) to assemble the Big Dipper (which is part of constellation Ursa Major) and Orion (a simplified version), according to the blueprint on the cutout sheets.
Connect the marshmallow (or small play dough ball) "stars" together using toothpicks.
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For lines labeled "1/2" on the cutout sheet, use only half a toothpick. (Use a scissor to cut the toothpick in half.)
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For lines labeled "1" on the cutout sheet, use a whole toothpick.
Optional: When finished, carefully slide the assembled Big Dipper and Orion onto separate sheets of construction paper. Place folded cutouts identifying each in front of the Big Dipper and Orion.
