Stars for First Class
I would firstly show the pupils this clip https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubZrAmRxy_M (N.B. 1:41) and facilitate a discussion on how the stars in the night sky can be used for navigation. https://theconversation.com/how-far-theyll-go-moana-shows-the-power-of-polynesian-celestial-navigation-72375
I would read the picture book “Zoo in the Sky” by Jackqueline Mitton to the pupils and discuss it.
I would show the pupils Stellarium on the interactive whiteboard and ask them to identify any constellations they know of or we read about in the picture book. Then I would name some constellations to them and ask them if they are able to find them. Given that I teach in a Gaelscoil I would do so as Gaeilge referencing the names listed here https://telescoper.blog/2023/08/29/celestial-echoes-the-night-sky-in-irish-folklore/. I would then compare their names as Gaeilge agus as Béarla using this song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjBGpA2Muyc We could also consider the meaning behind the different names: https://assa.saao.ac.za/astronomy-in-south-africa/ethnoastronomy/
I would then have the pupils complete the Draw Your Own Constellation activity. As suggested previously I would use black sugar paper, gold star stickers and some chalk. I dot the sugar paper in advance to indicate where the pupils should stick the stars before linking the stars with chalk. I would then guide pupils to use pegboards as well as playdoh and toothpicks to create constellations and to cut string or straws to connect them. We could vote to name various stars/ constellations as suggested earlier in the forum too.
We could also create some star lanterns, and use the constellation cards shared by Frances above https://inventorsoftomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/ccf58-viewerfile.png as a guide to punch the lanterns.
I would invite the pupils to choose a constellation and paint it, taking inspiration from one of hte following artworks which were shared earlier in this forum:
Vincent Van Gogh – Starry Night Over the Rhone
James Whistler – Nocturne in Black and Gold
Rita Oates – A Star
We could complete the Plough Clock activity to conclude this unit of work.
