Introduction

People have been wondering about the stars since the beginning of time. Ancient civilizations included constellations in their religion, mythology and legends. You have stepped through a time warp and find yourself a visitor to an unnamed  ancient village. Because of your unusual arrival, they regard you as a shaman (witch doctor, wizard or magician). They have not yet created their own mythology and are seeking explanations for the mysterious shapes they see in the skies above.  Your challenge is to share your knowledge about constellations with the villagers. You will retell or create your own myth as well as share some basic scientific knowledge with them.

When this unit is completed, you and your classmates will become honorary astronomers.
 
 

The Task

In order to meet this challenge you will:

      1. Choose a constellation to study.

      2. Explore and research information about your constellation:

             Using the Internet
             Visiting the school or public library to gather books and resources
             Exploring software

      3. Prepare an exhibit for the village gathering.

             *Include a myth or legend (retell or create an original)
             *Make and label a 3 dimensional model of your constellation
             *Draw a picture of your constellation showing the stars and the picture
                it represents. Show its location in the sky as well.
             *Write up a brief fact sheet about your constellation.

1. First you must understand about the science of stars and constellations:

Go to What are stars?
Go to What are constellations?

You might also enjoy exploring the CD-ROM Encyclopedia of Space and the Universefrom DK Interactive Learning. Ask your teacher, librarian or the technology resource person in your school.
 

2. Next you must choose a constellation to study.

This is a list of suggestions:

Orion
Gemini
Ursa Major
Ursa Minor
Pisces
Cassiopeia
Draco
Hercules
Capricornus
Lynx
Cygnus
Pegasus
Aquarius
Lyra
Taurus
Pleiades
Canis Major
Andromeda
Scorpius
Cepheus

*You can download a map of the constellations by clicking on the Skymap link and following the instructions at the site.

*You can find out more about your constellation by going to Constellations and Their Stars. Click on "Constellations-alphabetical".

*You should also use classroom and library resources to supplement this web site. Use the card catalog or go directly to the Dewey Decimal numbers 520 and 523.8.

Here are two good titles to start with:
 

Mechler, Gary. Night Sky.New York: Scholastic, 1999.
Sipiera, Paul P. Constellations (A True Book).New York: Grolier, 1997.

Magazines can also provide information and inspiration. Try this:
 

Scientific American Explorations, Fall, 2000.

Also try a CD-ROM encyclopedia or print encyclopedia such as World Book.
 

For your final project (exhibit), the following information is required.

Name of your constellation

Translation of its name

Description including its position in the sky

When can it best be viewed

What are the named stars in the constellation

Abbreviation of your constellation's name

What is the story or stories behind your constellation. To find out more about the myths, legends or stories about your constellation go to: The Mythology of Constellations  or Windows to the Universe. Click on "Sky, Constellations and Stars"

Be sure to take good notes, organizing them into main idea and supporting details. You can make an outline, a web, use color coding or any other method that will help you.
 
 

When the research phase of your project is done, stop and think about how you want to present your information in your exhibit. Discuss your plans with your teacher before you begin. Now use your creativity to complete the assignment.
 
 

Congratulations! You are now an honorary astronomer and shaman. You have researched and learned about a constellation and shared what you have learned. Perhaps someday you will explore the far reaches of the universe either in reality or in your imagination.

Big Dipper image courtesy of Corbis.com . Background courtesy of KPT Background Archive (http://the-tech.mit.edu/KPT/bgs.html).

This web quest was created by Nancy Kellner, Librarian at the Marguerite E. Peaslee School, Northborough, MA. email: nkellner@nsboro.k12.ma.us.