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Star Gazer

Students will use the KWL method while studying the stars and illustrating their knowledge.

Lesson Plan

Supplies Needed

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  • Recycled Cardboard Tube
  • Tape

Steps

  • Step 1

    Have students form groups to create a KWL (what you KNOW, what you WANT to know, and what you LEARNED) chart about stars. Have them talk about what they already know. Next have them discuss what they want to learn and then research the areas they came up with. Topics might include: What is the closest star to Earth? Is the sun a star? What are stars made up of? How do stars form? What is a supernova?

  • Step 2

    Ask students groups to create a telescope on which to display some of the information they learned about stars. Each person in the group can cut a strip of construction paper that will get wrapped around a recycled cardboard tube such as a paper towel tube. Have them write some star facts on each strip, then apply glue or tape to the back and wrap it around the tube. They can embellish the end of the telescope tube to make it look more realistic.

  • Step 3

    Have each group present their telescopes and discuss how the KWL method helped them explore the stars.

Standards

SCI: Ask questions about the features of phenomena observed and conclusions drawn from investigations or models. 

SCI: Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information based on evidence.  

Adaptations

Read a book such as "Stargazers" by Gail Gibbons, "Zoo in the Sky: A Book of Animal Constellations" by Jacqueline Mitton, or "A Child's Introduction to the Night Sky" by Michael Driscoll and Meredith Hamilton. Challenge students to try to identify constellations in the night sky. 

Invite an astronomy expert, perhaps a high school science teacher or a local college professor, to speak to the class. Have students prepare questions for the guest in advance.