Constellations: Patterns in the Sky

What You'll Learn

Constellations are patterns of stars that ancient cultures used for navigation and storytelling. The Big Dipper, Orion, and the Southern Cross are well-known constellations.

Key Words

solar system
inner planets

Steps

Step 1 — Read

Look at the vocabulary words and write a definition for each in your own words.

Step 2 — Do

Time how long it takes for a shadow to move 10 cm. Use this to calculate how fast Earth is rotating.

Step 3 — Observe

Note any unexpected results and think about why they happened.

Step 4 — Record

Share your findings with the class or a partner and discuss what you learned.

Check Your Understanding

Question 1

1 of 3

What is a light-year?